Have you talked to a Chiropractor about Sciatica?
Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is one of the longest and largest nerves in the body. The pain from sciatica typically originates in the lower back and radiates down the leg. Sciatica can be caused by a number of factors, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, pregnancy, obesity, and certain jobs that require a lot of sitting.
Some Ways to manage Sciatica
Treatment for sciatica often involves a combination of chiropractic, physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle changes. Gentle exercises, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, can help improve flexibility, strength, and mobility in the lower back, legs, and hips. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that a combination of physical therapy and exercise was effective in reducing sciatica pain and improving function in patients with lumbar disc herniation (1).
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation but they also come with side effects of their own. However, more severe cases of sciatica may require prescription pain medication and they too may come with side effects but they may also be necessary just for someone to do normal activities of daily life. A review published in the Cochrane Library found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with sciatica (2).
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment options have failed to provide relief, or if there is evidence of nerve damage or degeneration. A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that surgery was effective in relieving sciatica pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation (4).
So Then, What About Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is another option for treating sciatica. Chiropractors specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems and can help relieve sciatica pain by realigning the spine and releasing pressure on the sciatic nerve. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing sciatica pain and improving function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (3). Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to achieve this, including spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, and other manual therapies.
Chiropractic care can also help improve posture and strengthen the muscles that support the back and legs, which can reduce the risk of future sciatica flare-ups. Some chiropractors may also incorporate lifestyle and nutrition counseling, as well as exercises and stretches, into their treatment plans to help patients manage their sciatica symptoms.
Studies have shown that chiropractic care can be effective in reducing sciatica pain and improving function. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in reducing sciatica pain and improving function in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (3). Another study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and physical therapy, was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation (5).
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
There is a growing body of research on the health benefits of Chiropractic care, and many studies have shown that this type of care can be effective in the treatment and care of Sciatica.
References:
Lee, J. Y., Kim, J. H., Kim, K. H., & Kim, D. H. (2017). The effects of physical therapy for patients with lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(3), 460-465.
Machado, G. C., Maher, C. G., Ferreira, P. H., Pinheiro, M. B., & Lin, C. W. (2017). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for spinal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
Hoving, J. L., Bruinsma, M. S., & Koes, B. W. (2002). Chiropractic care for non-specific low back pain. The Cochrane Library.
Kim, H. J., Lee, H., Kim, K., & Kim, H. J. (2016). Microendoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, 25(3), 365-373.
Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., & Meeker, W. C. (2010). A systematic review of the research on chiropractic care for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 9(1), 3-11.
Comentários