Sciatica pain is pain in the sciatic nerve, the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. This nerve runs from the lower back down through both legs. When the nerve is pinched or inflamed, a person can experience severe pain. The "Journal of the American Chiropractic Association" says a substantial number of chiropractic patients complain of sciatica pain. Untreated sciatica can lead to decreased muscle strength, decreased muscle size and problems with walking. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment for sciatica pain.
Spinal Adjustments
A spinal adjustment is a type of procedure a chiropractor uses to correct misaligned vertebrae that often contribute to the inflammation and pain caused by sciatica. Chiropractic care is usually centered around spinal adjustments. The patient lies on a special table that can rotate up and down, and the chiropractor applies both strong and gentle thrusts and pressure to the spine. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and improve spinal function while reducing the pain caused by inflammation.
TENS
TENS is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and chiropractors often use this treatment for sciatica pain. The TENS unit sends mild electrical currents to the painful area through electrode patches. The doctor can adjust the current's intensity according to the pain level. TENS is a painless procedure that can reduce swelling and spasms because it helps the body to produce more endorphins, which are natural pain relievers in the body. There are small, portable TENS units available for home use, but patients should consult their doctor to determine the proper setting to use.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound treatment increases blood circulation, which helps with the pain, swelling and inflammation caused by sciatica. With ultrasound treatment, high-frequency sound waves produce gentle heat that penetrates deep body tissue. The doctor or his therapist will first rub a gel on the skin and then rub the ultrasound probe over the painful area using gentle, circular movements. The doctor can adjust the frequency of the sound waves according to the patient's amount of sciatic pain.
Other Chiropractic Treatments
Chiropractors also use ice or cold therapy for some sciatic pain. By applying an ice pack to the painful area, the doctor can reduce inflammation while numbing the pain at the same time. Chiropractors say this type of treatment works best immediately after the patient experiences severe pain. Massage is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatments. Additionally, when the patient has experienced some relief, many chiropractors will suggest a rehabilitative exercise program to get the person moving again.
Warning
Chiropractors say when pain does not subside after several weeks of conservative treatment, the patient's condition requires further investigation. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-ray, CT scan and MRI should be used to rule out conditions other than sciatica. The patient might need to include medication and perhaps receive epidural steroid injection in the treatment plan.
Tags: painful area, caused sciatica, decreased muscle, doctor adjust, pain caused, sciatic nerve, sciatic pain