Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is a collection of symptoms caused by a wide array of underlying health issues. While there are numerous treatments for the treatment of sciatica, a doctor’s treatment plan for back pain and sciatica may also include alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, and/or yoga. Many patients have reported that alternative treatments have helped relieve their sciatic nerve pain. If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica, you might want to try the following alternative treatment options.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture practitioners have the belief that your body has an energy force called Qi or Chi (pronounced “chee”). They believe that if Chi is blocked, it can create physical disease. Both acupuncture and acupressure (see below) function to restore a healthy, energetic flow of Chi. (All these Eastern approaches to healing are distinct from Western scientific concepts. That doesn’t make them better or worse; it only makes them different.)
In order to perform acupuncture, acupuncturists insert very fine needles, which are sterilized and disposable, into specifically exact points on the body. These points are known as meridians. Each meridian is the same as a channel, referred to as an acupoint, or acupuncture point. Because meridians run near the skin’s surface, it is not necessary to insert needles deep into the tissue. Meridians correspond to specific sections of the human body or to a human body system like the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or lymphatic system. During an acupuncture treatment, the acupuncture practitioner will usually gently twirl or heat some or all of the needles.
It’s common for individuals to question whether acupuncture is uncomfortable, however, even patients who have been afraid of the needles at first, have found acupuncture to be a relaxing and painless experience. If you would like to pursue acupuncture treatment, please make sure to look for a licensed acupuncture practitioner who uses sterile and disposable equipment.
Acupressure
Acupressure has often been formerly compared to acupuncture. Acupressure is a non-invasive, secure, and gentle therapy which is believed to help unblocks Qi without using needles. The acupressure practitioner uses their thumbs, fingers, and elbows to put an exact quantity of pressure to specific points in the body. Acupressure therapy comprises the use of consistent pressure to one or more points and briskly rubbing against the acupressure point to stimulate it. Acupressure points and acupuncture points are identical.
Biofeedback
This type of alternative treatment option involves much more than simply telling your body to “stop feeling pain” Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy which rewires the brain by teaching you how to change or control a habitual reaction to pain or stress.
Could a person just “believe their pain away” with biofeedback? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. As a matter of fact, it requires a much more demanding effort from the individual. Biofeedback frequently requires intensive patient participation and it is not an alternative treatment option for everybody. Some experts view biofeedback as a controversial therapy because its use in the treatment of low back pain or sciatica has not been adequately researched. In spite of this view, many individuals have benefited from biofeedback.
Biofeedback involves using special equipment to quantify and provide “feedback” to the individual about his or her physiological reactions to certain stimuli, like stress and muscle tension. By instructing the patient to perform deep breathing techniques, visualization, and mental and physical exercises, the individual learns how to control their response to stress and pain related to muscle tension, in this scenario, muscle tension that may contribute to sciatica.
Yoga
Yoga stretches can decrease symptoms of sciatica when the trigger is piriformis syndrome (sometimes a controversial diagnosis). Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle found in the lower portion of the spine compresses the sciatic nerve. This muscle aids in hip rotation. Gently stretching this muscle may help reduce sciatic pain. However, certain yoga stretches may aggravate symptoms of sciatica. Poses such as forward bending and twisting can irritate sciatic nerve pain. Any exercise which involves extending the back of the thighs (hamstrings) can irritate sciatica. As with any exercise, the patient must remember not to push their body beyond their pain limitations. Respect the body, and remember: Gently stretch.
As part of your treatment plan, you might want to try other sciatica treatment options. The following list are sciatica treatment, you may want to research to determine if they’re appropriate for you:
Chiropractic care
Physical therapy
Drugs/medications
Surgery
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help treat sciatica. The purpose of chiropractic care is to promote the body’s capacity to heal itself naturally, without the need for drugs/medications or surgery. It’s based upon the scientific principle that limited spinal movement leads to pain and decreased function and performance.
A chiropractor may use a variety of methods or techniques to improve sciatic nerve pain. The type of chiropractic care provided depends on the reason for the individual’s sciatica. A sciatica treatment program may include ice/cold treatments, ultrasound, TENS, and spinal adjustments or manual manipulations. Below are more details on these chiropractic care modalities.
Ice/cold treatment reduce inflammation and help improve sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is gentle heat made by sound waves which penetrates deep into the soft tissues. Ultrasound increases circulation and helps to reduce muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a small box-like, battery-powered, mobile muscle sculpting system. Variable intensities of electric current control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms. Bigger versions of this home-use TENS units are used by chiropractors, physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals.
Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are at the core of chiropractic care. Manual manipulation frees restricted movement of the spine and helps reestablish misaligned vertebrae in the spine. Spinal adjustments can help reduce nerve compression responsible for inducing pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations have been proven to be safe and effective.
Furthermore, a chiropractor may utilize physical therapy to help improve symptoms of sciatica. After a careful diagnosis, a doctor of chiropractic can recommend a series of appropriate stretches and exercises which, together some of the chiropractic care modalities mentioned above, can help speed up the recovery process. Chiropractic care focuses on healing through movement, helping to restore the proper connection between the brain and body in order to promote natural healing of sciatica nerve pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Because sciatica can be caused by a variety of underlying health issues, many different treatment modalities can be used to help relieve the common low back pain complaint. However, alternative treatment options, such as acupuncture, yoga and chiropractic care, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of sciatic nerve pain. Among the wide array of alternative treatment options, chiropractic care has become one of the most well-known modalities for improving symptoms of sciatica. Chiropractic care utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct misalignments in the spine, or subluxations, which are often the most prevalent cause of sciatica. Other alternative treatment options can also efficiently help treat sciatic nerve pain without the need for drugs/medications or surgery.
Can Alternative Treatment Options Help Treat Sciatica?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question: several alternative treatment options can help relieve your sciatic nerve pain but they may not provide the same relief to another individual. If you’re considering trying alternative treatment options to address your own sciatica, discuss the options with your doctor. They might also have recommendations for healthcare professionals which can ultimately help improve your sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Neuroembryology: As an embryo all of the cells in the body are identical. But as time passes, some cells develop into neurons and others develop into skin, hair, or muscle cells.
Why do some cells become neurons? How do neurons become organized in the spinal cord and brain in order to allow us to walk, talk, see, recall life events, feel pain, keep balance, and think?
The answers will help us understand how we develop from an embryo into a full-grown person and how our body and brain constantly adapts, throughout our lives to the environments changes.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor, Dr. Alexander Jimenez discusses neuroembryology, with the intent of educating patients, past and present, and the general public about the how the spine is connected to everything and where everything begins.
INTRODUCTION
Focusing attention on the development of the nervous system can increase a clinician’s insight into brain functionality and treatment possibilities.
Dysfunctions that may be associated with developmental abnormalities of the brain may range from a mild reduction in cortical function to conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.
The development of the nervous system is influenced by both endogenous and exogenous mechanisms.
Endogenous referring to genetics, exogenous referring to the embryo�s environment.
Development is an ongoing process….NEUROPLASTICITY
Neuroembryology: DEVELOPMENT
Development of the nervous system can first be identified at about 3 weeks after conception.
At 3 weeks, in response to underlying chemical signaling from the mesoderm, the neural plate forms, which quickly transitions into the neural groove.
At the beginning of the 4th week, the two folds forming the neural groove begin to fuse starting the formation of the neural tube
Fusion proceeds cranially and caudally and the entire neural tube is closed by the end of the 4th week.
This process is known as primary neurulation.
As the neural tube closes, it progressively separates from the ectodermal surface�and leaves behind neural crest cells.
Neural crest cells develop into the PNS.
The neural tube develops into virtually the entire CNS.
A longitudinal groove forms on the lateral wall of the neural tube�during the fourth week of development
This is known as the sulcus limitans, which separates the tube into dorsal and ventral halves.
The gray matter of the dorsal half forms an alar plate and the ventral half forms a basal plate.
This distinction is of great functional importance because the alar plate plays a role in sensory processing and the basal plate plays a role in motor output.
This similarity is seen in the adult spinal cord with the posterior gray matter receiving sensory input and the anterior gray matter producing motor output.
THREE PRIMARY VESICLES
Prosencephalon
Mesencephalon
Rhombencephalon
FIVE SECONDARY VESICLES
Telencephalon
Diencephalon
Mesencephalon (remains unchanged)
Metencephalon
Myelencephalon
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEURONAL CONNECTIONS
Neurons may have innate predetermined programs that lay out the basic patterns of connections to be formed initially in their development.
Theoretically, neurons gravitate to areas of attraction and move away from areas of repulsion � Chemoaffinity hypothesis
Several mechanisms allow axons to accurately find their way to their target destinations:
There are many different treatments for cerebral palsy available today, however each case of cerebral palsy is as unique as the individual it affects. Because cerebral palsy can ultimately affect the normal functioning of the brain, treatment approaches which enhance the connection between the brain and the body are essential. Various treatments will work for different patients. A treatment known as physical therapy, or physiotherapy, is categorized as a non-medicinal treatment of cerebral palsy with the usage of massage, exercise, heat, and other external means of treatment.
Physiotherapy can be used to help cerebral palsy patients improve motion and motor abilities. Since cerebral palsy is a physical and movement disorder that disrupts the brain’s ability to correctly control muscle movement, physiotherapy can work wonders in helping cerebral palsy patients achieve mobility. Cerebral palsy physical therapy techniques are dependent on the degree of physical limitations of the person, and what’s going to be most beneficial to the cerebral palsy patient. Chiropractic care, can also include physical therapy techniques. Because the brain is believed to be lacking proper stimulation for functioning through cerebral palsy, chiropractic care can offer proprioception of touch for the assistance of mobility for the increased sensory stimulation of the brain through spinal adjustments and manipulations.
Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in children and it also represents the most frequent diagnosis in children who receive physical therapy. The harshness of limitations in gross motor function among children with cerebral palsy varies greatly, as some can walk without helping devices while some must use battery-powered wheelchairs. Physical therapists help children discover better ways to balance and move, as well as learn to walk, use their wheelchair, stand up with help, or go up and down stairs safely. The physical therapists engaged in physiotherapy reduce further growth of musculoskeletal problems by preventing muscle weakening, deterioration, and contracture during the suitable physiotherapy methods.
Physiotherapy usually consists of a couple kinds of treatment and helps a cerebral palsy patient to improve their gross motor abilities. Motor abilities that utilize the big muscles in the body, such as those in the arms and legs, are called gross motor abilities. This kind of physical therapy can help improve a cerebral palsy patient’s balance and motion.
Physical therapy for cerebral palsy patients consists of activities and education to enhance flexibility, strength, mobility, and function. A physical therapist also designs, modifies, and orders elastic gear to be used in the rehabilitation. Physical therapy can take place in clinics, hospitals, schools, and ought to continue in the home through a workout program. Physical treatment for cerebral palsy patients won’t be effective without an ongoing daily home program.
Physical Therapy Methods for Cerebral Palsy
A physical therapy program must include lots of exercises that include stretching, strengthening, and positioning. To elongate the muscles, the arms and legs must be transferred in ways that produce a slow, steady pull on the muscles to keep them loose. Because of the greater muscle tone of the cerebral palsy patient, they tend to have tight muscles. Therefore, it’s extremely important to perform daily stretches to maintain the arms and legs limber, allowing the child to continue to move and function. Strengthening exercises work specific muscle groups to enable them to encourage your system better and increase function. Positioning requires your system to be set in a particular position to achieve long stretches. Some places help minimize unwanted tone. Positioning can be achieved in many different ways. Bracing, abduction pillows, knee immobilizers, wheelchair inserts, sitting recommendations, and handling techniques are a part of placement techniques utilized in physical therapy for cerebral palsy patients.
New methods of physical therapy for cerebral palsy patients have taken into the water. Aquatic-based rehabilitation employs the physical properties of water to either resist or help in the operation of exercises. Cerebral palsy patients undergo muscle shortening in the majority of their involved extremities and it becomes a difficult job to lengthen the affected musculature with regular stretching while needing to manage the effects that gravity has on the spastic leg or arm. In earlier times there was clinical bias against strengthening activities for this population. But, recent study findings are revealing that kids with cerebral palsy may gain from strengthening applications and that strength is directly associated with motor function. Some of the recorded advantages are optimization of neuromuscular responses, improved motor unit contraction synchrony and facilitation of maximal muscle contraction combined with a wide available selection of motion.
Physical treatment for cerebral palsy patients does not heal spasticity but can improve impairments and limitations. Physical treatment for cerebral palsy patients is an important step towards an independent lifestyle. If these changes happen only in the therapy gym, the disability remains unchanged. Therapy must improve skills to carry out meaningful tasks in everyday life. Changing the level of handicap is the ultimate aim of physical therapy for cerebral palsy.
Occupational therapy is another element of physiotherapy used for cerebral palsy patients, and it’s used for aiding in the development of fine motor skills. Fine motor skills focus on the use of smaller muscles, such as those from the face, fingers, toes, palms, and feet. Fine motor skills have been used during daily living skills such as eating, dressing, writing, etc., and are fine tuned by occupational physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy also entails picking the right sort of adaptive equipment that could enhance a cerebral palsy patient’s motor abilities. Wheelchairs, walkers, special eating utensils and other adaptive equipment supply a patient with the liberty to accomplish some tasks on their own.
Additional types of physiotherapy like language and speech therapy might also be incorporated into a cerebral palsy patient’s program. Physiotherapy in the form of language and speech therapy that enables a cerebral palsy patient to communicate more easily with other people by developing the facial and jaw muscles, enhancing speech or sign language messages, and introducing communication resources such as computers and other visual aids.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong group of movement disorders with no cure. However, several treatment options can help improve the quality of life of a patient with cerebral palsy. Chiropractic care and physical therapy, or physiotherapy, are some of the most common treatment approaches utilized to help restore strength, flexibility and mobility for individuals and children with cerebral palsy, without the need for drugs/medications and surgery. Chiropractic care can help improve many aspects associated with cerebral palsy due to the stimulation of the brain through touch, using spinal adjustment and manual manipulations to enhance sensory receptors in patients with this movement disorder. A physical therapist, as well as a chiropractor, may generally recommend a series of stretches and exercises which can improve range of motion in patients with cerebral palsy. Chiropractic care and physical therapy have the ability to develop self-sufficiency in cerebral palsy patients where it was previously absent.
Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy
Several other physical therapy options can also help provide some form of relief from painful symptoms for cerebral palsy patients. Chiropractic care has become a popular, alternative treatment approach which focuses on maintaining as well as improving the overall health of the body through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations. Because different areas of the body can be affected in individuals and children with cerebral palsy, chiropractic care can be beneficial towards helping those limbs regains some strength, flexibility and mobility. A chiropractor who specializes in patients with cerebral palsy can also offer several rehabilitation and physical therapy stretches and exercises to achieve the desired semblance of activity from the cerebral palsy patient. Because chiropractic care utilizes touch through spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to enhance the structure and function of the brain and the body, the sensory stimulation provided by a chiropractor can promote the migration of the brain in order to help change the receptors of the brain.
Furthermore, chiropractic care can help treat other, less noticeable aspects of the motor disorder. When used as a part of a rehabilitation and physical therapy program, chiropractic care can help improve some of the more problematic symptoms associated with cerebral palsy, including muscle spasms, seizures, and leg and arm issues through touch mobility protocols. The connection between the body and the brain has long been the center focus of chiropractic care, which is why spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are commonly utilized to enhance the stimulation of the brain, the spine, the nerves and the remaining structures of the body, especially in the case of patients with cerebral palsy, where the proper stimulation of the brain is necessary in order to restore function and improve quality of life. By carefully working to restore the natural alignment of the spine, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can improve symptoms of back pain which may often be caused by the stress being placed on the spine�in patients with cerebral palsy. The purpose of chiropractic care and physical therapy is to improve physical movement and coordination, speech, vision and intellectual development�for patients with cerebral palsy.
Physiotherapy is an integral part in the vast majority of many cerebral palsy patients’ lives. Physiotherapy has the ability to develop self-sufficiency in cerebral palsy patients in which it was previously absent. A kid with cerebral palsy can start physiotherapy in just about any age. Speak with your child’s doctor about setting up physiotherapy program today. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
ACL Sports Injury: Alexander Jimenez, champion wrestler, trained hard at Push-as-Rx, Crossfit & Athlete Rehabilitation, to gradually become the athlete he is today. When he suffered an ACL tear, Alexander Jimenez had to undergo surgery, where he then started his rehabilitation process at Push-as-Rx. With a clear focus in mind, Alexander Jimenez was able to overcome his difficulties and he became a champion wrestler. For Alexander Jimenez, Push-as-Rx provided him with the mental and physical edge he needed in order to become the best athlete he can be. Alexander Jimenez recommends Push-as-Rx to younger athletes and athletes who are looking to achieve their fitness goals.
ACL Sports Injury Therapy
Anterior cruciate ligament injury is when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is either stretched, partially torn, or totally torn. The most common injury is a tear that is complete. Symptoms include pain, a popping sound during trauma, instability of the knee, and joint swelling. Swelling generally appears within a couple hours. In approximately 50 percent of cases, other structures of the knee, for example surrounding cartilage, ligaments, or the meniscus, are damaged. The underlying mechanism frequently involves a rapid change in direction, abrupt stop, landing after a jump, or direct contact into the knee. ACL tears are most common in athletes.
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7 Ways:Chiropractic�traditionally is considered by many to be a treatment for adults. However, research shows that the treatment can be very beneficial for children. It can make birth easier and help give babies a healthy start in life. Young children can benefit from many of the childhood conditions that chiropractic helps treat. If you haven�t thought about chiropractic are for your child, take a look at these benefits of treatment; bet you�ll be convinced.
7 Ways Chiropractic Benefits Children
Promotes Optimal Health & Wellness
A properly aligned spine promotes good posture which promotes better health. However, it doesn�t stop there. When the spine is properly aligned the neural pathways are clear, allowing the central nervous system to function as it should. Additionally, the whole body approach that chiropractic takes helps provide a good foundation for healthy eating and regular exercise in children.
Helps Treat Asthma, Colic & Other Childhood Issues
There are numerous studies that show chiropractic is a viable treatment option for a variety of childhood conditions and illnesses. Chiropractic for asthma has long been discussed and is being embraced by more and more parents as well as the medical community as people are seeing first hand that it really works. There have also been studies that show chiropractic for colic is a very effective remedy, particularly for chronic colic in babies.
Helps Treat Birth Trauma
Birth trauma occurs more often than many people realize. It is typically only recognized or acknowledged when it is significant and causes severe damage or distortions. Some experts regard it as an underpublicized problem which means it is an undertreated problem.
Some studies show that using chiropractic to treat birth trauma can be very beneficial for the child. It addresses musculoskeletal injuries as well as problems with the brain stem and spinal cord caused by birth trauma.
Boosts Immunity
A flu epidemic in 1917 and 1918 was killing people � but the chiropractic patients were coming out much better than those who did not receive chiropractic treatments. They had a 5% death rate while those who were under chiropractic care had a .25% death rate. That is significant.
Regular chiropractic care can help boost immunity in children and adults. The spine plays a major part in health and the immune system. The body is better able to fight off infection, and if that isn�t enough to convince you it is also very effective in treating allergies.
Treats ADHD/ADD
Chiropractic does not �treat� ADHD/ADD but its positive effects on children who have been diagnosed with this condition has been documented in several studies. There have also been findings that suggest chiropractic may be more effective than medication.
Children who undergo chiropractic for ADHD have exhibited improvement in behavior and parental ratings of the child�s hyperactivity have also improved.
Aids In Resolving Breastfeeding Issues
Several studies have shown that chiropractic helps resolve breastfeeding problems in babies. Babies who have trouble latching on or staying on the breast and other problems can lead to breastfeeding failure. These studies assert that the outcome doesn�t have to be complete failure.
The birthing process can be very difficult on a baby, particularly when the baby is large or has large shoulders and traction is required to birth the child. Chiropractic care can help realign the baby�s spine so they are more comfortable during feeding and have better flexibility.
Decrease Risk Of Injury
The bones of babies and toddlers are more flexible than adult bones but they can still sustain injury. Regular chiropractic care helps keep the ligaments and joints supple which, in turn, helps prevent injury. This is particularly beneficial once the child becomes more mobile and begins turning over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up, and walking. It can help the child transition to each of these phases much easier and smoother.
So there you have it� 7 ways chiropractic benefits children. Ready to get your family started under chiropractic care? Then give us a call today!
Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic: Sport Injury Treatments
Sciatica is characterized by pain in the lower back and gluteal region. This pain can radiate down one or both legs into the thigh, calf, ankle, and foot. Genuine sciatica occurs when pain travels beneath the knee.
Sciatic nerve pain results when the base of the spine is compressed or irritated and/or if trauma from an injury or an aggravated condition have compressed the spinal segments surrounding the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is located at the sacral areas of the spine and the lumbar spine. Sciatic nerve pain or sciatica can be described as sharp, dull, burning, tingly, numb, continuous, or intermittent and generally affects only one side of the body. It can radiate throughout the entire length of the nerve, in some cases all of the way down to the feet.
Sciatic nerve pain is most often the result of a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or in extremely rare instances, infection or tumor. The cause of your pain determines what are your treatment options to relieve sciatica.
Sciatica Treatment Options
The following article lists several common sciatica treatment options. You may want to read about:
People who have lower back pain have been prescribed bed rest so as to offer relief for aching bones and joints. Research in recent years has suggested that bed rest alone won’t offer relief for those suffering from sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.
Staying active may be more beneficial for people who suffer with back pain due to the compression or irritation of their sciatic nerve. Not to say that you ought to be running marathons. Activity means being mobile and up for long periods of time which are not sufficient to cause further injury and aggravation for your back pain. Some healthcare professionals may prescribe certain exercises, or some could simply indicate walking.
Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief
Pain is often treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or codeine (in severe cases).
In some cases a cortisone-like drug could be injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal column. This process is like the epidural used during childbirth, and it’s called an epidural steroid injection. A course of this type of treatment may offer temporary relief, however, it doesn’t address the root of the problem. Treatment options like chiropractic care can help treat symptoms of sciatica at the source.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain
A chiropractor frequently treats people with sciatica. Their adjustments will aim to realign the spine, taking off the pressure of the sciatic nerve and often bringing rapid sciatica relief. When the stress is off, the body can begin to heal itself. While adjustments are probably most often used, other remedies may be given, especially if an adjustment is not recommended for the patient’s health issue. Other chiropractic treatment options might include using ice/cold treatment, ultrasound, a TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) device or rehabilitative exercises. Ultrasound warms the region and increases circulation, which can reduce the swelling and muscular strain. A TENS device brings relief by using a slight electric current to relax muscle spasms and to increase endorphins. Additionally, a chiropractor might frequently consist of rehabilitative exercises so as to accelerate the recovery process. Massage therapy might also assist.
Ice/Cold Therapy reduces inflammation and aids restrain from sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is gentle heat created by sound waves which penetrates deep into tissues. As mentioned previously, it increases circulation and reduces muscle spasms, cramping, swelling or inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Adjustments (Spinal Manipulations). Spinal adjustments are in the heart of Chiropractic care. Manipulation supports restricted motion of the spine and helps to restore misaligned vertebral bodies with their proper position in the spinal column. Adjustment techniques differ from a swift high velocity thrust to those that combine minimal pressure and gentle pressure. Mastery of every technique is an art which requires great skill and precision. Spinal manipulation is the remedy that distinguishes chiropractic care from other medical areas.
Rehabilitative exercises. A combination of aerobics, strength training and stretching is commonly used to unleash pain-relieving endorphins in addition to relax the muscles which may be causing the nerve compression or irritation.
In some individuals, sciatica may fix itself, maybe occurring only once or a couple of times. However, if not treated properly, sciatica can worsen. A chiropractor can help bring relief, however, several alterations, will likely be required, especially if it has been occurring for a while. Letting a chiropractor treat sciatic nerve pain provides you a no surgery and no medication choice. Exercises will most likely be advisable to strengthen the muscles in the back to help prevent sciatica from recurring, and recovery is apt to take some time.
Surgery for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
If no other alternative treatment option has provided the patient relief from their symptoms, some patients with sciatica may discover substantial relief from surgery. In cases of herniated discs, a surgical procedure called a laminectomy may be performed. In this process, a portion of the posterior arch is removed to relieve pressure on pinched nerve tissues. In cases of spinal stenosis, the portion of bone that’s putting pressure on the sciatic nerve system could be taken off. Surgery is not for everybody. But for people who have shown no sign of progress in four to six weeks and that have had CT scans (computed tomography) or MRI that reveal a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may provide substantial relief.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Surgical interventions are frequently discussed as a possible treatment option for a variety of injuries and/or conditions which cause sciatica, however, surgery should only be considered as a last resort after all other treatment options have been utilized without improvement. Chiropractic care is a natural treatment approach which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sciatic nerve pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among other commonly utilized treatment methods. Through the proper alignment of the spine, chiropractic care focuses on allowing the human body to naturally heal its sciatica without the need for surgery or drugs/medications.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Feet are important. When you consider what your feet go through, taking 8,000 steps over the course of a day, according to the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association (IPMA), it�s easy to see how 75 percent of all Americans will have some type of foot pain at some point in their lives. Plantar fasciitis is a common and very painful foot condition that can become chronic if not treated. It is also a condition that responds very well to chiropractic care.
Plantar Fasciitis Explained
Plantar fasciitis is caused when the ligament that connects your toes to your heel (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, swollen, and weak. This causes the bottom of your foot or heel to hurt when you walk or stand, especially when you first wake or after sitting for a long time.
The pain tends to be sharp and stabbing. It is the most common cause of heel pain and is more prevalent among middle aged people. However, anyone can get it at any age, especially people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
How Chiropractic Helps Plantar Fasciitis
Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment for plantar fasciitis as well as the pain that is caused by the condition. Chiropractic for plantar fasciitis involves a very precise technique that involves adjustments to the feet and ankles as well as spinal alignment. This provides several benefits.
Reduces Stress in the Plantar Fascia � When a ligament is inflamed or stressed the tissue can develop very small tears that cause the pain of plantar fasciitis. Chiropractic adjustments made to the heel and foot take the pressure off of the plantar fascia, allowing it to relax.
Promotes Healing � When the stress on the plantar fascia is reduced through these chiropractic adjustments, the foot can begin to heal. The chiropractor may also recommend specific exercises that stretch the ligament and help it heal. They may also advise the patient of lifestyle changes as well as nutritional adjustments that can help with the pain and condition.
Provides Effective Pain Management � Chiropractic is a very effective way to manage pain throughout the body. Spinal adjustments allow better communication between the brain and nerves, allowing the central nervous system to function more effectively. Condition specific adjustments speak to the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. This means a more effective form of pain management that is longer lasting.
Reduces the Risk of Further Injury � When a person has a condition like plantar fasciitis, they will often adjust their gait in an effort to avoid the pain. This puts stress on other parts of the body and can lead to back pain, sore joints, strained muscles, and other problems. Chiropractic�s whole body approach helps the person realign their body properly so that they stand and walk properly. This helps them avoid further injury and discomfort.
Chiropractic Complements Other Treatments
While chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis on its own, it is also a very good complement to other treatments for the condition. Patients may use chiropractic in conjunction with physical therapy, massage, and even injections to manage the pain and treat the condition. It can also help with speeding healing and helping to provide better mobility.
Plantar fasciitis can take several months to heal, but by adding chiropractic treatments to your recovery plan, you can feel better faster while more effectively managing your pain. Regular chiropractic treatments can also keep the condition from becoming chronic. By working with your chiropractor and following their recommendations you can reduce your pain and shorten your healing time.
Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic & Chronic Pain & Treatments
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