Sciatica and the Chiropractor
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Monday, August 25, 2014
A common ailment often treated by chiropractors is sciatica. This dull, achy pain can cause people to forgo the activities they enjoy doing because the trigger points can actually make it too difficult to walk. When a chiropractor treats a patient for sciatica their first priority is to find the source of the pain that is leading to the sciatica.

What is Sciatica?

Those suffering from sciatica will experience a persistent pain along the sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the body, which runs from the lower back, down through the buttocks, and into the lower legs. It typically affects those between ages 30 and 50 after a plenty of wear and tear has been done to the lower areas of the spine.
 
Though sciatica is seen to most as a common form of lower back and leg pain, it is actually a set of symptoms and not a diagnosis for what is irritating the nerve root and causing the pain. Sciatica is usually caused by sciatic nerve compression and disorders known to cause this include lumbar spine subluxations, herniated or bulging discs, pregnancy and childbirth, tumors and non-spinal disorders like diabetes, constipation or sitting on one's back pocket wallet.
 

Do I have Sciatica?

Someone with sciatica would feel pain usually down one side of their body along the sciatic nerve - ranging from the lower back and down the legs. The pain can range from minimal to severe and appear occasionally chronically. Common symptoms noticed include:
  • Mild Tingling
  • A Dull Ache
  • Burning Sensations (usually on one side of the body)
  • Pins and Needles Sensation 
  • Numbness
  • Muscle Weakness 

What is the Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica?

Thankfully, sciatica is a common thing in the chiropractic field and is regularly seen and treated.
 
In order to diagnose sciatica, doctors in chiropractic will take a patient history and ask about pain levels and placements, as well as take physical and neurological exams focusing on the spine and legs. When forming a diagnosis, your chiropractor may also ask you to perform basic tasks such as lying flat on an exam table and lifting your legs straight up one at a time. In some cases your chiropractor may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-Ray, MRI or CT scans, in order to rule out more serious conditions like a tumor or infection. More aggressive action may be taken for those who fail to respond after six to eight weeks of conservative testing. 
 
As far as treatment options, most people respond well to conservative care, including chiropractic, and treatment plans often vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
 
Chiropractic helps to offer a non-invasive and non-surgical, drug-free treatment option for those suffering from sciatica. Ultimately, chiropractic care is there to help to restore spinal movement and improve function while simultaneously lowering pain and inflammation. Depending on what is causing your sciatica, a chiropractic treatment plan could cover numerous treatment options including spinal adjustments, ice and heat therapy, ultrasounds, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and rehabilitation exercises and therapy.

What are Some Ways of Preventing Sciatica?

 It may not always be possible to look out for and prevent sciatica, but plenty of options and suggestions do exist to help protect your back and improve your spinal health.
 
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain proper posture
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest
• If you smoke, seek help to quit 
• Use good body mechanics when lifting
 
 
 
Read for More Information:
Yucha Chiropractic & Massage in Pottstown, PA provides chiropractic treatment to help people live more productive and active lives. Common conditions that are solved with chiropractic treatment at Yucha include herniated (slipped) discs, headaches and migraines, sciatica, back pain, and sports injuries.
 
Posted by: Caitlin Rickard
 
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Yucha Medical Pain Management & Chiropractic Rehabilitation is located in Pottstown, PA, but provides chiropractic threatment, massage therapy, and decompression therapy to patients in surrounding areas including Limerick, Chester Springs, Boyertown, Gilbertsville, and Royersford.
 
 
Medical Pain Management and Chiropractor in the following areas: Pottstown, Limerick, Chester Springs, Boyertown, Gilbertsville and Royersford