It feels like a bad leg cramp, but it isn’t. That intense pain radiating from your lower back, through your buttock, and down your leg is sciatica. You’re not alone, as approximately 40% of Americans experience sciatica at some point in their lives.
Let us take the residents of Denver, for example. The geographical location and climate make outdoor recreation a popular pastime. The Rocky Mountains especially offer opportunities for hiking and skiing. These activities can cause injury to the back, causing inflammation in the sciatic nerve.
Chiropractic care can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. A holistic chiropractor in Denver will offer treatments that target the root causes of sciatic pain and provide lasting relief.
Here, we’ll explore some of the most effective chiropractic treatments that can provide relief from sciatic nerve pain.
#1 Spinal Manipulation
Ever seen those TikTok videos of chiropractors cracking necks and spines? That is spinal manipulation.
In this technique, your chiropractor will apply controlled force to specific joints, particularly the spine. This can reduce pain, restore the structural integrity of the spine, and initiate the body’s natural healing processes, says Physiopedia.
When it comes to sciatic nerve pain, cox flexion spinal manipulation, in particular, works wonders. It reduces disc pressure on the nerve and widens the nerve hole through which the nerve exits from the spine. As a result, mechanical nerve compression is reduced.
This therapy has been shown to improve lumbar spine ranges of motion in patients with low back pain in randomized clinical trials, as revealed by a study published in Frontiers.
Chiropractors don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach in spinal manipulation. They will tailor the adjustments to your needs.
#2 Acupuncture
Getting pierced with thin needles into the skin sounds scary—doesn’t it? But that’s what acupuncture is.
This ancient practice basically involves inserting thin needles into the patient’s skin at strategic points, states Governor’s Park Chiropractic.
This stimulates the release of chemical messengers that dampen pain responses, which is why it can help relieve sciatic pain, explains MedicalNewsToday.
Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving chronic sciatica caused by herniated discs. Researchers observed a significant pain reduction and improved functionality among the participants.
To treat your sciatic pain, a chiropractor will place the needles along the nerve’s pathway. That will target areas of inflammation and tension. Not to worry, it’s not painful. Most people barely feel the needles, and some even find it relaxing.
#3 Soft Tissue Therapy
Sometimes, sciatica isn’t caused by a herniated disc or poor posture—it’s the muscles.
Specifically, inflamed or tight muscles like the piriformis can compress the sciatic nerve. It’s responsible for that familiar pain shooting down your lower back and legs.
Soft tissue therapy can help in such cases. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to break up adhesions, release tension, and improve blood flow in the affected muscles. This includes targeted massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy to calm down the overworked areas.
When it comes to sciatic pain, this therapy often focuses on muscles like the piriformis and glutes—notorious for pinching or irritating the sciatic nerve when tight.
Loosening these muscles not only alleviates pressure on the nerve, but also restores range of motion and reduces inflammation.
#4 Ultrasound Therapy
No—this isn’t the same kind of ultrasound used during pregnancy.
In chiropractic care, ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment in which sound waves penetrate deep into tissues. This helps boost blood flow. According to Verywell Mind, this can relieve pain and promote tissue healing.
This treatment is especially effective for chronic sciatic pain. It helps break the cycle of pain and inflammation, which makes it easier for your body to heal and for you to regain mobility.
A study published in Nature confirms that. The trial found that ultrasound therapy reduced the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages a week after peripheral nerve injury. For those unversed, the sciatic nerve is a vital part of the peripheral nervous system.
The best part? Ultrasound therapy is painless and quick, often lasting just a few minutes. You’ll feel a warm, comforting sensation as the device works its magic. Ultimately, it will leave you with less pain and a lot more relief.
There is no denying that sciatic pain is excruciating. But fortunately, chiropractic care could be the relief you’ve been searching for.
Whether it’s spinal manipulation or soft tissue therapy, these treatments can help you reclaim your mobility and reduce that sharp, burning pain.
It’s important to find an experienced chiropractor, however. They will listen to your needs and create a plan tailored just for you. Start searching for a chiropractor today, so you can get back to doing the things you love.
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