Sciatica is a dreaded name that many people experience, not just hear. But how many people are aware of what it really is?
What we can say is that it is not a disease. It is in fact, a symptom of compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve then becomes ‘pinched’. Some others refer to it as neuropath, neuralgia, but sciatica pain stems from the low back or buttock and travels into both legs or only one. The pain can feel dull, achy, sharp, or have a pins and needles sensation.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) medicine treat sciatica frequently. Of course, treatment begins with a proper diagnosis. Reviewing an individual’s medical history and also performing a physical and neurological examination can determine if sciatica is occurring. Sciatica can result from countless disorders including herniated or slipped discs. Understanding the cause, therefore, greatly determines the treatment.
Chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, and includes several treatments of ice/cold therapies, TENS and spinal adjustments among other treatments.
Ice/Cold therapy provides relief by reducing inflammation which in turn controls the pain. Additional treatments such as ultrasound create gentle heat that also relieves deep pain. Improving circulation and reducing muscle spasms is essential to curing sciatic pain. Swelling and stiffness also need to be relieved. TENS unit can be used to relieve pain by stimulating the muscle with an electrical current.
Another final treatment is spinal manipulation, which is at the heart of chiropractic care. These manipulations free up restricted movement of the spine and restore misaligned vertebral bodies to position the spine for health. Additionally, they reduce nerve irritability which is often responsible for muscle spasms, pain and other symptoms.
Vital Health Chiropractic of Moon Township, PA, is committed to helping you improve your health in the safest ways possible! Call 412-424-0019 or contact us today in Moon Township, PA, to schedule your appointment.