3 Ways To Treat Sciatica

What are the different ways to treat sciatica?

  1. Chiropractic adjustment
  2. Physical therapy
  3. At-home remedies
A type of back pain affecting the sciatic nerve is called sciatica. This is typically felt in the lower spine area, with doctors oftentimes associating this condition with an underlying herniated disc or even spinal stenosis. For most patients suffering from this, there are a variety of ways to treat sciatica that cover both hospital and at-home treatments. These are also designed to prevent the condition from being too severe or debilitating When sciatica gets too disabling, patients may need to seek immediate medical attention that can offer pain relief for the lower back, thigh, and leg regions. They may also need further consultation with their physician to relieve the pain and prevent any swelling, numbness, or burning sensation in the affected areas. Read on to learn more. 

Chiropractic Adjustment

Some sciatica patients may be wary of making a trip to their chiropractor, but chiropractic treatment might be one of the most effective methods for long-term pain relief. This is because chiropractors are skilled at identifying key regions of your body affected by the sciatic nerve. They will conduct assessments and come up with personalized adjustments that target specific areas of your body to ease pain in the lower spine, buttocks, and legs. Seeing a chiropractor for sciatica may benefit you in a number of ways. With their adjustments, the pain you feel may be raised significantly, giving you proper spinal movement and better joint rotations.  This may help decrease any minor inflammations or swelling. It will also help you more easily do everyday activities and improve overall comfort when moving, sitting, or sleeping. Reduced sciatic pressure can minimize any pinching sensations with the proper chiropractic adjustments. 

Physical Therapy Physical therapy

The goal of physical therapy for sciatica is to improve mobility, regain pain-free functional movements, eliminate muscle spasms, ensure full-functioning of the lumbar spine, added lower body mobility, and many more. This is another treatment option for sciatica sufferers who are constantly finding it difficult to move parts of their body due to the condition. A physical therapist can help get them back in shape and put them in a physical therapy regimen that considers their current pain levels, conditioning, and the therapist’s experience as well. Some physical therapy techniques that address sciatica include flexion back and extension exercises. Generally, this promotes spinal movement through backward and forward bending. This may also be accompanied by other therapies that promote directional movement to identify sources of sciatic pain, and centralizing the pain towards the body’s center. 

At-Home Remedies

Home remedies for sciatica are mainly for patients that don’t necessarily suffer from severe pain. There are many cases where the pain resulting from sciatica is only mild, requiring no medical attention. As such, simple care remedies can be done by the patients themselves and may also be combined with existing treatment options. Patients can practice simple stretching exercises that are not too strenuous. Strengthening exercises, for example, can make the core stronger and enable the spine to protect itself better against pain. You can try doing simple stretches for at least 30 seconds daily. Be sure to avoid jerking or sudden twists during the stretch for better outcomes. Other remedies include the application of cold or hot packs on the painful areas for at least 20 minutes daily. Cold packs can help in reducing inflammation, while hot packs can facilitate proper blood flow to the painful region, therefore speeding up the healing process. 

Key Takeaway

Pain felt due to sciatica can be specific as it affects the lower spine, down to the thighs, and legs. This is why those who suffer from this spinal condition are encouraged to find different ways to treat sciatica for maximum pain relief. From chiropractic care, physical therapy, and home remedies, these are just some of your best options to help you live life more freely and comfortably despite sciatica.  In need of chiropractic treatment for your sciatica? Chiropractic Philippines’ range of services may be just what you’re looking for. Click here to get in touch with our specialist, Doc Ben! 

Written By: Dr. Benedicto Luz Adorable III

Dr. Ben is the CEO and Founder of Philippine Chiropractic Healthcare Specialist. He has a Doctorate Degree of Chiropractic from Parker College of Chiropractic.

To read more about Dr. Ben, click here.

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