Sciatica is often known as some of the most excruciating back pain a person can suffer. When you are suffering from sciatica, one of your main priorities will be seeking care that can help alleviate the pain and return you to normal levels of activity. But you may wonder who the best person to help with the pain is. Many people are surprised to learn that a Jonesboro chiropractor can be the best place to start when suffering from sciatic pain. Chiropractors will look at your pain holistically and create a treatment plan that helps your body to realign and heal naturally.
What Exactly Is Sciatica?
Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, running from the lower spine and through the hips and buttocks, all the way down the legs. When this nerve is compressed, it can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, and other forms of discomfort, known collectively as sciatic pain. Because this nerve is so long and prominent, any pain is hard to ignore, and it can quickly prevent you from walking, standing, or sitting like you normally would. Sitting in certain positions may particularly exacerbate the pain, as stretching the muscles puts more pressure on the sciatic nerve. While the severity and consistency vary from case to case, sciatic pain is almost always prominent enough it needs to be treated.
Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, in which the soft, gel-filled discs between the vertebrae rupture, causing material to spread into the spinal canal and compress the sciatic nerve. Other causes include spinal stenosis, injury or trauma, tumors, or pregnancy.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Many people are surprised to learn that a Jonesboro chiropractor can effectively treat sciatic pain, but it is a natural, effective, and quick way to address the condition. Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system and its interaction with the nervous system, making them uniquely suited to treat sciatica. They will be able to evaluate your spine and discover the root cause of your pain and develop a plan to treat it.
Common chiropractic treatments for sciatica include manual adjustments designed to restore spinal alignment, massages that reduce inflammation, and stretches aimed at increasing range of motion to help your body to heal faster. Often, chiropractic care is performed in conjunction with physical therapy exercises.
In severe cases of sciatica, other types of medical professionals may need to be involved as well.
Other Providers for Sciatic Pain Relief
A neurologist is a likely participant in a holistic care plan to address sciatic pain. Because the pain begins in a nerve, seeing a doctor who specializes in the nervous system makes sense. A neurologist will likely use diagnostic imaging techniques like x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to determine the root cause of the pain. In cases where surgery is needed to address sciatic pain, a neurologist may become involved as well.
When sciatica is caused by issues like a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, an orthopedist may also become involved. Orthopedists may also determine you need surgical intervention to help relieve the pressure on the nerve.
Will Sciatica Heal On Its Own?
You may notice sciatica symptoms going away on their own over time without the help of a chiropractor or other medical professional. However, sciatica is a symptom of other conditions, and allowing it to go away over time does not address the underlying cause of the pain. This means it is likely to come back intermittently and can worsen over time. Only relieving the pressure on the nerve can actually “cure” sciatica, and this usually requires medical intervention of some sort.
To manage pain at home, you can use common techniques like hot and cold therapy, light stretching and exercise, or over the counter medication in moderation. However, these methods should be used in addition to proper care from a chiropractor or other provider, not in place of that care.
Comprehensive Care for Sciatica
Don’t let sciatic nerve pain prevent you from sleeping or doing regular life activities. If you believe you are suffering from sciatica, it is always important to be evaluated by a doctor to determine the root cause of your injury. This can prevent the condition from worsening, as well as help to create a plan for recovery. At AICA Jonesboro, our Jonesboro chiropractors work on a team with physical therapists, pain management specialists, neurologists, and orthopedists to offer comprehensive care plans to patients suffering from sciatic pain. To schedule your first consultation with a Jonesboro chiropractor, contact AICA Jonesboro today.