Sciatica is a common condition affecting the nerves in the lower back. It can cause acute or chronic pain, leaving people wondering how to find lasting relief. You may consider seeing a chiropractor in Burlington, NJ, for treatment, but can chiropractic care help with sciatica pain?
Our specialists at Burlington Chiropractic are here to provide some clarity on this question.
What You Should Know About Sciatica
Before getting the answer to “Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?” you should understand the condition and the problems it can cause. Sciatica generates radiating pain from the lower back down the buttocks, hips, and legs, usually on one side of the body.
The problem comes from sciatic nerve compression. This nerve is the longest in the body, running from the lower spine down each leg. Nerve compression or irritation can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Constant pain or aching on one side of your buttocks
- Leg or buttock pain that worsens when seated
- Burning or tingling sensations down one of your legs
- Shooting pain that makes standing from a seated position difficult
Herniated discs, pregnancy, and spinal bone spurs are just some of the causes of sciatica. With this condition, pain may worsen after prolonged sitting or standing. Laughing, sneezing, and coughing can also aggravate the nerve.
Chiropractic Care: What Is It?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option. Spinal manipulation and other manual therapies are the cornerstone of this treatment regimen, helping relieve pain, improve mobility, and alleviate general physical discomfort.
The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Sciatica Pain
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica? Chiropractic care includes spinal and joint manipulations, which can help reduce pressure on compressed or irritated nerves, including the sciatic nerve.
Let’s say you developed sciatica from habitually putting most of your weight on one leg. This stance can indicate a minor hip misalignment, causing you to lean slightly to one side. Seeing a chiropractor for spinal manipulation can realign your hips, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and improve your posture.
Other Ways To Alleviate Sciatica Pain
While a chiropractor can certainly help you manage or relieve sciatica symptoms, you may find prolonged relief by combining your treatment with one of the following approaches:
- Ice and heat therapy: Using ice packs, heating pads, and warm water for up to 20 minutes at a time may help reduce back pain.
- Acupuncture: Another treatment for sciatica pain relief is acupuncture, which uses thin, sterile needles to promote healing.
- Breaks: Sitting or maintaining the same position for an extended period can trigger sciatica. Take breaks and change sitting positions throughout the day to minimize discomfort.
- Hamstring and hip stretching: Sciatica doesn’t just affect your lower back; it can also affect your hips and legs. Loosen tense hip and hamstring muscles to reduce pressure on your lower back.
- Massage: Massage therapy can also loosen tense muscles, improving your mobility and overall comfort.
- Low-impact exercise: Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or using an elliptical machine can improve circulation, strengthen supporting muscles, and help ease sciatic nerve irritation over time.
When To Visit a Local Chiropractor
Now that you know the answer to “Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?” you may be wondering about the best time to schedule a visit with a chiropractor for sciatica pain. Do you have shooting pain, leg numbness, hip discomfort, or leg weakness? If you do and hot packs and over-the-counter painkillers fail to address your pain, chiropractic care may be helpful.
You may need sciatic nerve decompression, which spinal adjustments can provide, to feel better long-term. The spinal manipulations these professionals provide can reduce pressure on the nerve without requiring invasive surgery or prescription medication.
Although medication can help reduce pain and inflammation, it often fails to address mechanical contributors. With a personalized chiropractic treatment plan, you can experience spinal alignment and posture improvements that make a noticeable difference in your overall well-being.
Seek Personalized Chiropractic Treatment From Our Professionals in Burlington
The answer to “Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?” is yes. Spinal adjustments, manual therapy, and other specialized treatments can correct misalignment, reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, and reduce pain.
We offer precision and compassionate care at Burlington Chiropractic in Burlington, New Jersey. Our trained professionals go above and beyond to help every patient reach their health goals and improve their general well-being. Learn more about us here, or call Burlington Chiropractic at (609) 747-1100 to schedule an appointment.
