The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down the leg. Sciatica is one of the most common causes of back pain in adults 30-50 years old. Sciatica is typically caused by a misalignment of the spine, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness. Luckily, there are a number of non-surgical and drug-free treatments for sciatica nerve pain.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
Below are the most common treatment options for sciatica that do not include drugs or surgery.
Chiropractic Care – The main goal of chiropractic care is to allow the body to heal itself. A chiropractor will identify the exact location for any spinal misalignments that may be triggering your sciatica pain.
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to relieve sciatica by alleviating sciatica nerve compression. Once correct alignment is restored to the spine, the pain and numbing sensations of the sciatic nerve should subside drastically.
Cold and Heat Therapy – Applying a cold pack to sciatica will offer a great deal of pain relief since cold therapy slows down the speed at which your nerves send pain signals to the brain. Heat also reduces pain symptoms by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the sore tissues. A very effective and common treatment is alternating between ice and heat therapy.
Physical Therapy with Exercise – Physical therapy with exercise can help strengthen and mobilize your lower back, muscles, and tissues that support the sciatica nerve. Stretching coupled with exercise can help take pressure off the sciatic nerve, reduce inflammation, and improve posture. Physical therapy also restores functional movement, reduces muscle spasms, and prevents future pain flare-ups.
Prevention of Sciatica
It’s not always possible to prevent sciatica. The best things we can do to protect ourselves include:
- Exercise Regularly – To keep the back strong, work the core muscles for good posture and alignment. The muscles provide plenty of stability and cushion against injury.
- Keep Good Posture When Sitting – Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. For additional support, place a pillow in the small of your back to keep its normal curve. Knees and hips should remain level.
- Lift Heavy Objects Correctly – When lifting something heavy, let your legs do most of the work. Hold the object close to your body and avoid awkward twists and turns when possible.
If you have more questions regarding sciatica and treatment for sciatica pain, please reach out to us at 727-866-4420.