Most people with sciatica pain can improve over time with conservative treatment including pain management and exercise.
Medication: NSAIDs/muscle relaxant/corticosteroid injection which is depending on the root cause of the nerve pain and doctor’s examination. Prescriptions should be made by a professional physician.
Physiotherapy: Manual therapy and exercise which target specifically on the sciatic nerve and structure involves
Surgery: To address any abnormality that preventing the sciatic nerve to de-compress
How Physiotherapy Treatment Can Help?
Each case is very different and responds differently to treatment, these exercises are general and may be the opposite of what you need! Get yourself consult first with our physiotherapist in Constant Co to get know of the root cause of your sciatica pain. If something makes you worse STOP DOING IT.
- Nerve floss (Seated sciatic nerve floss)
- Sit upright with your knees and feet shoulder width apart, extend one leg straight and bend your foot towards the body. You should feel the stretch/tension of the nerve but not causing too much pain (go within your limit).
- Release by bringing the foot down toes pointed away from the body.
- Progress by adding head tilting backwards and forwards. (head back down, chin towards the chest, and bring the leg back, a bit past 90⁰ towards one’s buttocks).
- Perform this exercise 10-20 times within your pain limit, 2-3 times per day.
- Seated piriformis stretch
- You begin this stretch by sitting down on a chair and crossing your painful leg over the knee of your other leg.
- Bend forward with your chest and try to hold your spine straight. As long as it’s not painful, try to bend over a bit more. Stop if you feel any pain.
- Keep this position for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise with the other leg.
- Knee to chest stretch
- Lie flat on your back with legs and feet flat on the floor.
- Bring one knee up to your chest while the other foot is on the floor.
- Keep the lower back pressed on the floor, and hold it for 30 seconds.
- Repeat 3-5 times.
Sciatica Pain Treatment: How a Chiropractor Can Help
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, you may be wondering what treatment options are available to help you find relief. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to treat sciatica pain without the use of drugs or surgery. In this article, we’ll explore what sciatica is, what causes it, and how a chiropractor can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Herniated disc: When the soft center of a spinal disc ruptures and leaks out, it can press against the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the discs in our spine can break down and lose their cushioning, which can lead to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition where one vertebra in the spine slips forward over another, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, can sometimes spasm and compress the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy: As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating sciatica pain. A chiropractor will first perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your pain. They will then develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Spinal Adjustment: A chiropractor will use gentle and specific spinal adjustments to realign the spine and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can help alleviate pain and improve range of motion.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help to reduce tension and tightness in the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. This can help to reduce pressure on the nerve and alleviate pain.
Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice and heat therapy can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Your chiropractor may use ice and heat therapy to help manage your symptoms.
Stretching and Exercise: Your chiropractor may prescribe specific stretches and exercises to help improve your posture, increase flexibility, and strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. This can help to prevent future episodes of sciatica.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling: Your chiropractor can provide guidance on proper nutrition and lifestyle habits that can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent future episodes of sciatica.
Conclusion:
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, chiropractic care can help you find relief. A chiropractor can provide a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you manage your symptoms. By using a combination of spinal adjustments, massage therapy, ice and heat therapy, stretching and exercise, and nutrition and lifestyle counseling, a chiropractor can help you improve your quality of life and get back to doing the things you love.