One of the best approaches to dealing with sciatic nerve pain is to make use of chiropractic care. It works because it’s natural, non-invasive, and addresses the source of your discomfort rather than trying to relieve it with pain medications. Sciatica is commonly caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. In its worst form, it can be painful and debilitating, interfering with your ability to sleep, walk, stand, and sit down. Here are some of the best treatments for sciatica.
Treatments for sciatica
Some of the most effective treatments for sciatica have been discovered in relatively recent times, especially concerning chiropractic care. Here are some of the most effective treatment approaches that can be used to relieve or eliminate sciatic nerve pain:
- Chiropractic adjustments – studies published in the Spine Journal have shown that chiropractic adjustments can be just as effective as surgeries. The big difference is that chiropractic care is non-invasive. Chiropractors can restore misaligned vertebrae and herniated discs which might be exerting pressure on your sciatic nerve. These kinds of adjustments can be either very gentle or vigorous, depending on your specific circumstances.
- Cryotherapy and heat – chiropractors have used alternating heat therapy and cold therapy to treat sciatica for years. When muscles in the hips, buttocks, and lower back are extremely tight, heat can help loosen up these muscles and restore more blood flow to the area. It is possible to significantly reduce inflammation with cold therapy, which reroutes some blood flow away from irritated areas.
- Chiropractic exercises – some types of movements will be troublesome for sciatica patients, so it’s always best to collaborate with a professional when you’re wondering about the most appropriate exercises. Your chiropractor will know which exercises to avoid so that your sciatic nerve doesn’t undergo any increased stress or aggravation. Talk to your chiropractor about the specific exercises you should do at home so that you can accelerate the healing process and restore balance in your body.
- Traction therapy – one of the most common causes of sciatic nerve pain is spinal compression. When this happens, discs positioned between vertebrae tend to become somewhat thinner. This compression causes the vertebrae to rub against each other. It may also cause nerves in the surrounding area to become pinched or pressured. Chiropractors are adept at applying the right level of traction so that the vertebral column can be stretched, realigned, and have more space. This adjustment will help alleviate any pain in the affected nerves. It will serve to counteract the natural effects of gravity, which tend to compress the spine. Similarly, traction therapy can help restore the proper alignment of your spine after a spinal injury or accident.
If you struggle with the chronic pains of sciatica come to Peak Spine + Wellness in Fargo, ND for a customized chiropractic care plan today!
