Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It travels down both sides of your lower back, through the buttocks and down to your feet. When a person is suffering from sciatica, he or she experiences shooting or burning pain when sitting or standing and numbness or weakness down the affected side of the body and leg. Sciatica isn't a condition, it's a symptom that is usually caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve roots from a spinal disc. The Chiropractic Wellness Center in Newcastle provides non-invasive and drug-free treatment options for Sciatica.
How a Newcastle Chiropractor Diagnoses Sciatica
Aside from imaging tests, there are a number of physical tests that your chiropractor will perform to diagnose sciatica. You are likely to be asked to stand on your heels and walk, and stand on your toes and walk too. Then, you will be asked to lay on your back and lift your legs one at a time. If these tests or other physical tests produce pain, the source is likely to be from sciatic nerve root irritation.
Chiropractic Care for Sciatica
Two important objectives of chiropractic care, in general, are to reduce pain and increase the functionality of the affected part of a patient's body. That allows nutrients to flow more freely in the area, and the body can then begin healing itself without the necessity of medications or surgery. After a thorough examination, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that might include the following:
- Ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation of the sciatic nerve root.
- Ultrasound to help reduce muscle spasms and increase blood flow.
- Electronic muscle stimulation to help control the pain receptors in the nervous system.
- Chiropractic adjustments to enhance functionality and improve the range of motion in the spine.
- Home exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected spinal area to help keep spinal adjustments intact.
Visit us for Sciatica Treatment
Contact us about your sciatic nerve pain. Our Newcastle chiropractor at the Chiropractic Wellness Center will examine you and design a customized treatment plan around your condition. You don’t have to live with pain, call us today at (425) 641-7470.