Orlando FL Chiropractor

Orlando FL Chiropractor Explains Sciatica Treatment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a nerve pain that originates in the low back or buttocks and may travel into one or both legs. It is caused by pressure or other irritation on the sciatic nerve. There is a wide range of symptoms regarding the intensity and frequency of the pain so it’s best to seek out advice from an Orlando FL chiropractor who can discuss with you. The pain may have several different characteristics including:

  • Dull
  • Achy
  • Sharp
  • Similar to a toothache
  • Pins and needles
  • Similar to electrical shock
  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis

There are many ways the sciatic nerve can become compressed, including:

  • Lumbar spine subluxations (misalignment)
  • Herniated or slipped discs
  • Pregnancy and childbirth
  • Tumors
  • Diabetes
  • Constipation
  • Improper sitting posture, including sitting on one’s wallet
  • Piriformis syndrome – The piriformis muscle runs along the lower part of the spine and connects it to the thighbone, assisting in hip rotation. This muscle is very susceptible to injury from falling, hip arthritis, and a difference in leg length. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle, so an injury there is likely to lead to sciatica.

Diagnosing Sciatica

It’s very important to determine the actual cause of sciatica before moving forward. Sciatica is just a symptom of many different potential causes. Pursuing treatment before the initial cause is established is an irresponsible practice that may lead to more problems. Diagnosing the root cause of sciatica includes conducting a complete medical history as well as performing a physical and neurological examination. Speak to an Orlando FL chiropractor to get a better understanding of the causes behind your pain.

Additional tests such as x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or nerve conduction tests may be necessary to help detect any obstacles for chiropractic treatment.

Personalized Treatment

As sciatica is a symptom of a range of issues, it is important to realize that the treatment that works for one patient may not work for another. This is true even if they have the same root issue leading to their sciatica. Treatments that may help relieve sciatica include:

  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Heat and ice therapy
  • Injections
  • Medications
  • Chiropractic adjustments

Treating Sciatica with Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are meant to assist the body in its own self-healing process. Chiropractic medicine revolves around the idea that restricted spinal movement results in diminished functioning and pain. Chiropractic treatments are a non-invasive alternative to medications and surgery. An Orlando FL chiropractor can conduct various treatments to help speed up the recovery process.

As mentioned above, each person’s treatment should be personalized to the root cause of their sciatica, their medical history, and many other factors. Even if it is determined that chiropractic therapy should be included in treatment, there are several types of therapy an Orlando FL chiropractor can conduct. Various chiropractic treatment modalities include:

  • Ice/cold therapy – Reduces inflammation and helps control pain
  • Ultrasound – Gentle heat is created by the sound waves of ultrasound. These sound waves can penetrate deep into tissues and increase circulation while reducing muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
  • TENS – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a muscle stimulating device. Electrical currents are sent through the nerves at varying intensities to reduce pain and muscle spasms.
  • Adjustments – The classical chiropractic therapy is physical adjustments. This is much more than just cracking one’s back – it is a carefully executed method of manipulating the spine and other joints. These adjustments release any restrictions in the joint and realign vertebrae that are out of place. By re-adjusting the spine and joints to their proper position, pressure can be alleviated from the nerves to decrease inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms of sciatica. This process is typical not painful.

Limits to Treating Sciatica with Chiropractic Methods

Chiropractic therapy is not for everyone. Sciatica may be caused by disorders that are beyond the scope of what chiropractic treatment can help. If an Orlando FL chiropractor determines the patient’s disorder should be treated by another type of doctor, that patient will be referred to a doctor of the appropriate specialty. There are cases where the chiropractor will refer the patient to another doctor to be treated in conjunction with chiropractic therapy.

Some patients believe that staying in bed and refraining from any physical activity is the best way to deal with sciatica. It may be appropriate to treat the initial flare of sciatica with bedrest for a day or two, but physical activity is very important for alleviating sciatica pain. Strength exercises are important to bring stability to the lower back. A weak lower back is unable to support the back and spine, increasing its susceptibility to injury. Stretching the hamstrings relieves lower back stress and can take pressure of the sciatic nerve. Always consult your doctor before launching into an exercise treatment that may affect your sciatica.

Visit an experienced Orlando FL chiropractor as soon as you have sciatica to help relieve your pain and confront the underlying issue.

Call an Orlando FL Chiropractor To Treat Sciatica or Other Body Pains

Having over 15 years of experience treating patients with personal injuries throughout the state of Florida, our doctors have the knowledge and resources to help patients recover quicker and better. We use methods that are safer, more comfortable and more effective. Give us a call to speak to an Orlando FL chiropractor.

Chiropractic Care Near You

Mauricio Chiropractic have been providing expert chiropractic care in the Orlando area for decades. We serve in nine different locations including; East ColonialWinter ParkPine HillsDowntown OrlandoConwaySouth Orange Blossom TrailPoincianaDr. Phillips & Melbourne. If you’re in need of chiropractic treatment, or want to unlock your body’s true potential, make an appointment with one of our esteemed doctors now. You can also enter your email below to receive more information.