Sciatica is one of the most common and painful conditions that can affect your lower back, legs, and feet. It is typically caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, both of which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain caused by sciatica can be debilitating, and it can interfere with daily activities. However, chiropractic care can help relieve the pain associated with sciatica.
Here at Probe Chiropractic, our New Jersey sciatica chiropractors specialize in helping people find relief from sciatic nerve pain and other conditions. We offer comprehensive treatments designed to get you on the path to feeling better soon! Here's a look at some of the sciatica treatments we offer:
How Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?
New Jersey chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal system and are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the body's alignment. A chiropractor can help relieve the pain caused by sciatica by performing adjustments to the spine, pelvis, and hips. These adjustments can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve, which in turn can reduce pain and inflammation.
In addition to spinal adjustments, a chiropractor may also recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the lower back and legs. These exercises can help improve the range of motion and reduce the likelihood of future sciatic episodes.
In addition to sciatica, they can help with conditions such as herniated discs, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractic care can also help with conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica Symptoms
Chiropractors can provide sciatica patients with a variety of treatments depending on the cause of their sciatica. Treatments may include:
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Ice/Cold Therapies:
Relieve sciatic pain and reduce inflammation with the power of cold therapy! An ice pack applied to the affected area will numb nerves, decrease muscle spasms, and provide relief from discomfort. Cold therapy is an easy solution for anyone looking to find fast comfort.
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Ultrasound:
With its ability to penetrate deep into soft tissues like muscles, ultrasound emits an exceptionally soothing heat created by sound waves that boost circulation and relieves pain caused by stiffness and sciatica.
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TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation):
This form of therapy uses variable intensities of electrical current to control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms. It is portable and battery-powered, making it a great choice for at-home treatments or on-the-go treatments.
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Spinal Adjustments/Manipulation:
Through the art of chiropractic manipulation, we can unlock those restricted movements and re-align misaligned vertebral bodies. This will not only reduce nerve irritation that leads to inflammation but also ease any muscle spasms or pain related to sciatica. Effectively putting your spinal column back in order so you may regain mobility and feel better!
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Exercise and Stretching Programs:
Exercise is an excellent way to both avoid and address sciatica. At-home gentle stretching exercises or those done with the direction of a physical therapist, chiropractor, or other health professionals can be incredibly helpful in healing this condition. In addition to strengthening weakened muscles that could be causing sciatica pain, these practices will also increase flexibility which promotes greater overall spinal well-being.
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Postural Training and Ergonomics:
Proper posture is key when it comes to sciatic pain relief. If your desk job or lifestyle has you in a poor position all day, this could be the cause of your pain. By learning proper posture techniques, as well as making ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, you can reduce the strain on your spine and therefore reduce symptoms of sciatica.
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Diet Modification for Weight Loss or To Address Inflammation Issues:
Making healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce inflammation that can lead to sciatica.
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Massage Therapy:
Massage therapy helps to reduce muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain associated with sciatica. The massage therapist will use techniques like effleurage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point therapy to increase the circulation of blood flow and lymph fluids in affected areas while easing tension in muscles that could be causing sciatic pain.
Are There Any Limitations To Chiropractic Treatments For Sciatica?
While chiropractic care is highly effective for treating sciatica, there may be some limitations to its effectiveness. For example, patients with severe spinal stenosis or a herniated disc may require more invasive treatments such as surgery. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions may not be candidates for chiropractic care.
Achieve Lasting Relief from Sciatica Pain with the Help of a New Jersey Chiropractor!
Although research is still being conducted on the viability of chiropractic care for sciatica, there already exists promising evidence which suggests its potential to be a helpful form of treatment.
A 2015 study was initiated to evaluate the best treatments for sciatica pain, culminating in the conclusion that spinal manipulation was proven effective. This finding is backed by both the US NCCIH and the UK's NICE organizations which list this approach as an approved method of alleviating symptoms associated with sciatica.
At Probe Chiropractic, we understand how sciatica can negatively impact your life. That’s why our sciatica chiropractors in New Jersey work hard to ensure you receive the best possible care. Don’t let sciatic nerve pain keep you from living a full and active life – contact us today to see how one of our experienced sciatica chiropractors can help you!