What is Sciatica
One term commonly heard in chiropractic circles is sciatica. This word is used to describe any type of pain that comes from the sciatic nerve, the longest single nerve in the body that begins from the lower spine, through the buttocks, then to the feet. Sciatica is the term used to describe the discomfort caused by irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms of Sciatica
While sciatica brings pain, it is usually a symptom of other underlying disorders such as lumbar spine subluxations, herniated discs, pregnancy/childbirth, tumors, and other non-spinal disorders like constipation or diabetes. Patients feel different levels of pain- from sensations similar to electric shocks to sharp, burning pains. Patients describe this as a pain that begins in the lower back or buttocks, moves down your leg, and may move into your foot. They also report feeling weak, having a tingling sensation, or numbness in a leg.
Tips for Initial Relief
Here are some things that you can do, whether you are at home or at work, to help ease the pain:
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods. Take regular breaks where you can get up and walk around.
- Switch between lying down and walking. Sitting most of the time aggravates the pain so if possible, lie down to rest for a few minutes then get up and walk.
- Take pain relievers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine.
These tips should only be done on the first occurrence of the pain. If the pain persists, visit your doctor for proper diagnosis.
Chiropractic Approach
Chiropractic treatment is often used to alleviate sciatica when caused by spinal disorders. Depending on the cause of sciatica, your doctor will devise a specific treatment plan for you. Treatments for sciatica include the following:
Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical procedure that slowly lengthens the spine to decompress and relieve pressure. This treatment is recommended to lessen sciatica (especially for pain experienced in the legs) resulting from herniated discs.
In order to relive pain on neighboring nerves (the sciatic nerve, for example), patients need to have their spinal joints checked and have adjustments performed if necessary. Don’t be surprised if you hear a popping sound. That’s your joint getting jolted back to its proper place. Patients report immediate relief after a spinal adjustment session.
This form of therapy reduces inflammation and temporarily relieves pain. Continuous Cold Laser Therapy treatment also promotes faster tissue healing.
What you eat also plays a big part in your spinal health. Here are some reminders to help you improve your diet:
- Lessen your sugar intake because it worsens the inflammation and the pain.
- Choose highly nutritious food AKA superfoods such as shellfish, fruits, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, red onions and apples, olive oil, fish (sardines, salmon mackerel), and chia seeds.
- Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water everyday. The general rule is 1 for 2 everyday or 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds of your body weight.
If you feel you are experiencing sciatica and would like to know more information, visit us for your chiropractor consultation.