Sciatica is caused by compression of the spinal nerve root in the lower back. If you are suffering from this condition, you know how painful it can be. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help manage your pain.

When You First Arrive

If you have been treated by a doctor, bring your medical records with you at your first appointment. The chiropractor will need to see these so they can come up with the best treatment plan for you. They will ask you many questions about your problem, and it is important that you are honest with them.  They will go over your medical history, and they may give you an initial exam.

Treatment of Sciatic Symptoms

The main purpose of your chiropractor is to help your body heal itself without using any pain medication or surgery. 

The treatment plan a chiropractor may offer for sciatica may include spinal manipulation (also known as spinal adjustments), a TENS unit, ultrasound, and ice/cold therapy.

• Spinal manipulation:  Manipulation may be the main treatment a chiropractor will use to treat your pain. When this type of treatment is done, it frees restricted movement of your spine, and restores any misaligned vertebrae to their right position in your spinal column. This adjustment helps reduce nerve irritability that is responsible for the inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms you may be having. The chiropractor may do this manipulation with their hands, or they may use a device.
• TENS unit:  The TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit stimulates muscles. It is small and battery powered, and the chiropractor uses variable intensities of the electrical current to control pain, and reduce muscle spasms. Your chiropractor will go over with you how to use the TENS unit.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound creates a gentle heat using sound waves. These waves penetrate deep into muscle tissues. It is beneficial because it reduces cramping, stiffness, pain, and muscle spasms. It also helps to increase circulation in the muscles, which helps with pain.

A Chiropractor's Limitations

If your chiropractor determines that your disorder requires treatment by a medical doctor, they will refer you to a specialist. In some cases, the chiropractor may continue treating you, as well as work with the doctor to manage your pain and care.

If you have any other pain in your body, your chiropractor can treat you for this also. Talk with them about everything that is bothering you, and they can come up with a good treatment plan. Visit a clinic like Chiropractor Plus for more information.