Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, tingling, and numbness due to inflammation of a sciatic nerve, generally causing pain radiating down a leg from the lower back. Dr. Troy Allen and the staff at Allen Chiropractic Care in Washington, UT, explain that when the sciatic nerve is compressed, this extraneous pressure can cause lower back and leg pain, which, at times, may be severely debilitating, potentially disrupting daily activities and simple pleasures.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve, which begins in the lower back and extends down each of your legs, is the body’s longest nerve.
Aggravating or putting pressure on this nerve can result in a range of pain, from mild to serious. Sciatica pain is usually experienced in the lower back and may spread down one or both legs. Sciatica pain may be caused by –
- Injury.
- Conditions like Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease.
- Neuropathy caused by diabetes.
- A bulging or herniated disc.
How Can a Chiropractor Help Alleviate Sciatica Symptoms?
Our chiropractic office provides several techniques that can remove interference with the sciatic nerves. Patients may potentially receive any one or combination of these chiropractic services –
- Spinal Adjustments correct misalignments in the spinal column, removing pressure from the sciatic nerve roots. Dr. Allen provides Activator and Drop Table adjustments.
- Cryotherapy to numb acute pain and reduce inflammation.
- Chiropractic Massage (Soft Tissue) Therapy.
- Therapeutic Exercises, and more.
Additionally, Dr. Allen educates clients on ways to be proactive for personal and preventive care by teaching them proper lifting techniques and ergonomic choices.
At-Home Care and Suggestions for Sciatica
Consider the following self-care suggestions with the approval of a healthcare professional such as a chiropractor -
- Rest — Stay aware of how you move to avoid making your sciatica condition worse.
- Hot/Cold Therapy — Ice reduces acute pain and inflammation, while hot therapy helps promote blood flow and nutrients for recovery. These therapies should not be applied directly to the skin.
- Light Stretching — Maintain range of flexibility/mobility by routine gentle stretching.
- Gentle Exercise — Although it may seem surprising, research indicates that gentle physical activity can help decrease pain and improve core strength.
Visit a Washington, UT, Chiropractor for Sciatica Relief.
No one has to give up an active lifestyle because of sciatic pain. For more information about the noninvasive techniques available to manage sciatica, contact Dr. Allen or an Allen Chiropractic Care staff member at 435-986-1021 or online.