Sciatica pain starts from the lower back or the buttock and moves down to both legs. Described as achy, toothache-like, sharp, pins and needles, dull or bearing likeness to electric shocks, the sciatica pain is known to be regularly treated through chiropractic care. There is a common misconception among most people that sciatica itself is a disorder; however, truth is that sciatica is only a symptom of a disorder.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is normally caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve. Medical conditions that are known to cause sciatic nerve pain consist of childbirth and pregnancy, slipped discs (bulging or herniated discs), constipation, tumors, misaligned vertebrae (lumbar spine subluxations), and non-spinal ailments such as diabetes.
Another common cause of sciatica is the piriformis syndrome. Named after the piriformis muscle, this syndrome occurs when the muscle sustains some sort of injury. Beneath the piriformis muscle, runs the sciatic nerve. The muscle is located in the lower back; connected to the thighbone it helps the rotation of the hip. Due to its critical location it is vulnerable to injuries that can cause spasms and cramps, eventually squashing the sciatic nerve
It is Important to Properly Diagnose Sciatica
While treating the sciatica, the first step for a chiropractor is to determine the cause of pain as there are several disorders that can ignite it. For that reason the patient’s medical history is thoroughly reviewed and a detailed neurological and physical examination is conducted. The tests and examinations conducted help in detecting possible contraindications to chiropractic adjustment and therapies.
Treating Sciatic Symptoms through Chiropractic Treatment
The sole purpose of chiropractic care is to aid the body’s capability to heal itself. Chiropractic is a non-surgical and drug-free procedure based on the scientific theory that a constrained movement of the spine leads to pain and lower body efficiency.
The chiropractic treatment for sciatica may include several therapies. The type of therapy that would be provided depends on the root of patient’s sciatica.
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Ultrasound: by allowing mild heat produced by sound waves to penetrate into the depth of tissues, the ultrasound boosts blood circulation. This helps in lessening muscle cramping, stiffness, spasms, swelling, and pain.
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Unit: this is a small box-like portable machine for stimulating muscles. It uses varying electrical current intensities to reduce muscle pain and spasms. Chiropractors use larger versions of the TENS unit for treating their patients.
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Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments): adjustments to the vertebrae are a core element of chiropractic care. Restoring the misalignments in the vertebral body help reduce nerve irritability. This in turn treats muscle pain, spasm, and other sciatica related symptoms.
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Cold/Ice Therapy: This therapy helps in controlling sciatic pain and reducing inflammation caused by it.
Visit the South Bend Chiropractic and Wellness to get you sciatica treated through chiropractic care with the experience and expertise of Dr. Kaurich. You can also follow them on Google+.
