Harvard Health estimates that about 40% of the general population will experience sciatica at some point in their lifetime. Sciatica is usually categorized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which can range from mild to severe and might also come and go depending on what you’re doing.
Luckily, there are many options available to treat sciatica, including chiropractic care. In this article, we’ll discuss how chiropractic care can help sciatica, the benefits you can expect, and the symptoms you might experience.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica pain is caused when your sciatic nerve is pinched. This nerve runs from your lower back and into both legs, causing pain in the buttocks, legs, and feet.
A herniated nerve, a bone spur, or a spastic muscle may pinch or compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain, including radiating neural pain down the legs. Sciatica usually resolves all on its own. Yet, left untreated and in the worst case, sciatica can permanently damage the sciatic nerve and cause you to lose feeling in one leg.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatic pain is very distinctive. Here are some of the most common symptoms that you might experience with sciatica:
- Localized pain on one side of the body, or in one leg
- Pain, ranging from mild to severe
- “Electric shock” pain, or a deep aching pain
- Numbness or weakness in the affected area
If you suspect you may have sciatica, book an appointment with your doctor or local chiropractor. They can help diagnose the issue and determine an appropriate course of treatment.
4 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
So, how can you deal with sciatica? Let’s discuss four ways that chiropractic care can benefit you and ease the symptoms of sciatica, helping you get back to your normal.
1.Pain relief
The number-one benefit of chiropractic care for sciatica is that it can ease the pain. Of course, sciatic pain can’t be massaged away, but manipulation of the muscles and body can go a long way to easing tense muscles and relaxing the body. Additionally, spinal manipulations can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, helping to resolve the issue. A chiropractor can also give you advice regarding preventive measures for the future.
2.Corrects spinal misalignments
A misaligned spine can pinch and compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain. Chiropractors are trained to identify poor posture and spine misalignments. From there, they can perform spinal manipulations to help alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve and help your body function at its best.
3.Offers a natural and whole-body treatment
Chiropractic care is all about naturally massaging and manipulating your body to soothe pains and care for your musculoskeletal frame. The body and its systems work together to keep us alive and moving. Yet, interferences in this system can lead to pain and illness. Additionally, sciatic pain can cause certain muscles to tense up and spasm, causing further discomfort and pain.
Chiropractic care is an all-natural approach to your pain and health. There’s no need for painkillers and their side effects or for invasive procedures and surgeries. With chiropractic care, you maintain the integrity of your nervous system and musculoskeletal system, ensuring the body is able to communicate and move effectively and efficiently.
4. Provides increased flexibility and a greater range of motion
Chiropractic care improves flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It also helps to improve posture, which can prevent sciatica in the first place. All of this means you move with more ease and with less or no pain.
Book Your Chiropractor Appointment Today
Pain doesn’t have to become your new normal. In fact, it shouldn’t be! Chiropractic care has many benefits for your overall health and when it comes to treating sciatica and associated symptoms.
A Parker chiropractor might be exactly what you need. If you’re searching for a reputable, experienced, and friendly team, Awaken Chiropractic is here to help. We can help you move away from pain and toward a happier and healthier life. Book your appointment online, and get back to living your life, without pain standing in your way.