Sciatica pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by radiating pain that starts from the lower back through the hips to the legs. In most cases, sciatica pain causes are a herniated disc or spinal injury that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. If you’re experiencing unbearable pain, numbness or muscle weakness, the good news is that sciatica pain can be treated. In this article, we’ll discuss how chiropractor visits and physiotherapy treatments can help stop sciatica pain from progressing and fix your sciatica.
Chiropractic care for sciatica pain – Chiropractors use natural techniques to realign the spine and relieve pressure from the sciatic nerve. They perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your sciatica pain before proceeding with the procedure. During the treatment, the chiropractor may apply pressure to the affected area using their hands or an instrument. This results in the release of endorphins that help to reduce pain and inflammation. If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, you should consider visiting a chiropractor to have your spine realigned.
Physiotherapy for sciatica pain – Physiotherapy is another effective treatment that can help stop sciatica pain from progressing. Physiotherapists use a range of exercises and techniques to manage pain, reduce muscle tension and promote healing. They also work with patients to improve their posture and body mechanics to prevent future injuries. In physiotherapy sessions, you can expect your therapist to use ultrasound, ice or heat therapy, massage therapy and spinal decompression to help manage sciatica pain.
Core strengthening exercises for sciatica pain – Sciatica pain can be both debilitating and extremely uncomfortable. However, with a core-strengthening program, you can manage your pain and build your body’s resilience to withstand future injuries. Core strengthening exercises target the muscles of your abdomen, back, and hips that support your spine. This will, in turn, improve your posture and relieve pressure from your sciatic nerve. Popular core strengthening exercises include planks, leg lifts, and bridges. You can work with your chiropractor or physiotherapist to develop a personalized core strengthening program that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Stretching exercises for sciatica pain – Stretching exercises are effective in managing sciatica pain as they help reduce muscle stiffness and promote flexibility. Some of the popular stretches include hamstring stretch, spine stretch, and piriformis stretch. These stretches aim to reduce tension in the muscles around your sciatic nerve. You can work with your physiotherapist to come up with a comprehensive stretching program that can help alleviate your sciatica pain.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle – Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is good for sciatica pain and key to managing sciatica pain. This includes getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding activities that may worsen your pain. Stress can also trigger sciatica pain, so consider incorporating mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation to manage your stress levels.
Sciatica pain can be a hindrance to carrying out your daily activities. However, chiropractor visits and physiotherapy can help alleviate your pain, promote healing, and prevent future injuries. Additionally, a comprehensive program that includes core strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in managing your sciatica pain. If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a chiropractor or physiotherapist today to learn about the quickest ways to get rid of of sciatica.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
