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Chiropractic care for sciatic pain is an effective option for pain relief. Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and then travels into one or both legs. This nerve pain can vary in intensity and frequency. It can be minimal, moderate or severe. It can also be occasional, frequent or constant. Often, the sciatic pain is described as dull, achy, pins and needles, sharp or even like electric shocks. Some people also experience burning, numbness or even tingling sensations. While many people say that sciatica is a disorder, it’s not. It is actually a symptom of another disorder.
Sciatic pain is caused by nerve compression
Sciatic pain is typically caused by sciatic nerve compression. A chiropractor at ChiroCarolina® in Charlotte NC can effectively treat sciatica by checking to see whether someone has misaligned vertebrae, slipped disks, tumors, or even non-spinal disorders like diabetes. Pregnancy and sitting on one’s back wallet are also known to cause sciatic pain. Another common cause of sciatica is Piriformis Syndrome, named after the piriformis muscle that is located in the lower part of the spine. It connects the thighbone and also assists with hip rotation. Because the sciatic nerve runs under this muscle, if it is injured it can pinch the sciatic nerve and cause both inflammation and pain. If there is sciatic nerve compression, patients may also experience some sensory loss, paralysis of s ingle limb or even a group of muscles, and insomnia.
Proper diagnosis is essential
When it comes to sciatica, proper diagnosis is essential. A chiropractor needs to determine what is causing the problem. By looking at medical history and doing a physical and neurological exam, a chiropractor may see the problem causing sciatic pain. If not, further testing may be necessary. Other tests include X-rays, MRI, CT Scans and electro diagnostic tests. By looking at all of the tests, your trustworthy chiropractor at ChiroCarolina® will be able to determine the cause of the sciatica and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Chiropractic treatment helps the body heal itself
Chiropractic care for sciatic pain is non-invasive and drug-free. Treatment for sciatic pain may include several different treatments. A chiropractor will likely advise the patient on home therapies that can help speed up recovery. Here are some common treatment options:
- Reduce inflammation and pain with ice/cold therapy
- Ultrasound can increase circulation and reduce muscle spasm and pain
- TENS units help control acute pain and can help reduce muscle spasms
- Adjustments free restricted movement of the spine and can restore misaligned vertebrae. This reduces the nerve irritability that causes inflammation and sciatic pain.
While many people benefit from chiropractic care for sciatic pain, there are some disorders that should be treated by another type of doctor. If a chiropractor determines that someone needs another type of treatment that they are not able to offer, they will refer the patient to another specialist for treatment. In many cases, the chiropractor at ChiroCarolina® in Charlotte NC will work alongside a specialist to co-manage the patient’s care. Chiropractic care for sciatic pain is an effective option in Charlotte NC. Contact ChiroCarolina® today to find out how chiropractic care for sciatic pain can get you moving again!
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