Can a Chiropractor Help Sciatica?

If you suffer from back pain in the lower area of the back that tends to travel downward, you may be suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Sciatic back pain, commonly referred to as sciatica, occurs when a herniated disk presses down on the sciatic nerve. This pressure results in nerve inflammation and can cause pain. If you are suffering from this type of back pain, your chiropractor can help. The following are some things you should know about sciatic nerve treatment and chiropractic care:

How Can You Be Sure You Have Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. The nerve impacts all areas of the lower half of the body, including the lower back, legs, and hips. If you have a herniated disk or another disk anomaly, the disk presses on the sciatic nerve. The pressure on the nerve is what causes the sudden pain.

Sciatic nerve pain is different than other forms of back pain. Sciatica causes sudden and sharp pains in the lower back, down the buttocks, and down the leg. It may feel like a burning sensation along with some mild achiness. The pain tends to come and go frequently.

How Does a Chiropractor Treat Sciatica?

A chiropractor treats sciatica with spinal decompression. This therapy uses traction and decompression to stretch out the spine. This stretching therapy helps to reposition the disks in the back into proper alignment and take the pressure off of the sciatic nerve. If left untreated, the disk will press down on the nerve and the pain can continue and may worsen. After the disk is realigned, the body will begin to naturally heal itself and you should begin to feel some relief.

When Should You Seek Chiropractic Treatment?

Ideally, you should seek care at the onset of your sciatica. Many people live with sciatica without intervention. However, you should seek care if the sciatic pain becomes debilitating or if you develop additional complications due to the nerve pain. Your sciatica can cause issues with bladder control or prevent you from doing the things you enjoy due to constant pain. You may also want to see the chiropractor after an injury if the injury flares up your sciatica.

If you suffer from sciatic nerve pain or if you believe the back pain you have is related to sciatica, consider seeing a chiropractor for treatment. You can find relief even after a few treatments.

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