As soon as I tweaked my back, I knew that I had a serious problem. I couldn't stand up straight and the pain was excruciating. I tried to hobble to the car, but I realized that I would need help. That day, my wife drove me to the nearest chiropractor, and that doctor helped me more than I thought was possible. After evaluating my condition, he informed me that I had a herniated disc in my back. In addition to adjusting my back to alleviate the pressure, the doctor also recommended some strengthening exercises that he said would help. These days, I can walk pain-free because of my chiropractor. Check out this blog to learn how a chiropractor can help you.
Getting Help With My Back
A Real Pain In The Butt: Understanding The Anatomy Of Sciatica And How A Chiropractor Can Help
Tyrone Berry
Joking about someone or something being a pain in the butt is a common occurrence. However, if you are suffering with sciatica nerve pain, you're already aware that an actual pain in the behind is no laughing matter.
Sciatica often causes an excruciating pain that radiates from the buttocks down into the legs. It can also cause burning pain, numbness, and tingling. Fortunately, a trip to the chiropractor may be able to help you get some relief.
The cause of sciatica
Sciatica pain occurs as a result of the sciatic nerve being compressed. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down into the leg. Many things can cause the sciatic nerve to become compressed.
One of the most common causes is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle located in the lower part of the spine. It connects to the thighbone and assists with hip rotation. Since the sciatic nerve runs underneath the piriformis, the nerve is easily irritated during slips and falls that injure the piriformis muscle.
Differences in leg lengths, misaligned vertebra, herniated disks, hip arthritis, and spinal tumors can also cause the condition to develop. Even something as simple as sitting with a wallet in your back pocket can lead to sciatica pain.
Getting to the root of the problem
Before a chiropractor can begin to treat your sciatica, the cause of the condition must be determined. After obtaining a thorough medical history and performing an examination, your chiropractor may request that you have x-rays, a CT scan, MRI, or nerve conduction velocity testing performed to help determine the best course of treatment.
These tests are crucial for finding any contraindications to having spinal adjustments performed or prior to instituting chiropractic treatments.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care uses drug free and non-invasive modalities to treat a variety of health conditions and pain syndromes. The goal of treatment is to help the body heal itself without using medications, surgery, or other treatments that can be risky and have lasting side effects.
Common chiropractic treatments for sciatica
Several modalities may be used. These modalities include ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, cold therapy, and spinal adjustments.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues. These sound waves can help ease spasms, swelling, and pain. In electrical stimulation, a small battery powered device called a TENS unit is often used to reduce pain and swelling.
Cold therapy is useful for easing symptoms of swelling and discomfort. It consists of application of cold compresses, cold wraps, or ice packs to the painful area.
Spinal adjustments can help free any restricted areas of the spine that may be triggering the sciatica. Proper positioning of the spine may help relieve the irritability of the sciatic nerve by reducing inflammation surrounding the sciatic nerve.
While sciatic pain can be a real pain in the butt, the condition typically will resolve in time. Working with a chiropractor at a clinic like Black Horse Chiropractic can be an effective way to help you get relief of your pain without the added side effects of drugs or more invasive treatments.
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