Chiropractors regularly treat sciatica as they are able to both evaluate and diagnose the condition while determining the root cause and developing an effective treatment plan.
Our Chiropractic care will treat discomfort associated with spinal misalignment, which is generally the cause of sciatica pain.
Sciatica Pain Causes
Sciatica pain is most commonly caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. Certain disorders can also cause this type of pain, including:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Lumbar spine subluxations
- Tumors
- Non-spinal disorders, including constipation or diabetes
Piriformis syndrome is another major cause of sciatica. The sciatic nerve lies under the piriformis muscle, which is susceptible to injuries from falls, arthritis, and leg length differences.
These situations can result in the pinching of the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica results in lower back pain that travels up through either one or both legs. Pain will vary in both frequency and intensity. It can be described as sharp, achy, dull, or similar to the feeling of an electric shock. Other symptoms may include:
- Tingling sensations
- Feeling of pins and needles
- Numbness
- Burning
Sciatica Treatments Used by Chiropractors
A treatment plan used for sciatica patients may include a variety of treatment options, some of which are discussed below:
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can increase circulation through the use of gentle heat. This heat is formed by sound waves that penetrate the tissue. It can be used to reduce cramping, muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Cold and Ice Therapy
This therapy can reduce inflammation that can ultimately help control the pain caused by sciatica.
Spinal Adjustments
AICA’s Atlanta chiropractors use spinal manipulation to restricted spinal movement, and this can then help to restore the vertebrae to their correct positions within the spinal column.
It can also reduce irritability (which sometimes results in muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain) to the sciatic nerve.
