Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica in Rochester
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body that branches all the way from the lower back down the length of each leg. It is common for this nerve to become compressed if the spine begins to shift out of place as a result of a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or even generalized inflammation around the spinal column.
Naturally, the pressure applied to this major nerve can result in significant amounts of pain that may leave an individual in constant discomfort. This pain is typically experienced on one specific side of the body and can lead to difficulty walking, standing, or moving the leg in any way.
Diagnosing Sciatica
There are several options available for the treatment of sciatic nerve pain, including non-invasive methods like chiropractic care. During an initial evaluation, one of our chiropractors will work directly with the patient to try and uncover the cause of their sciatica. The best solution is to treat this underlying cause, which can usually be identified by reviewing the patient’s medical history and performing a physical and neurological examination.
How Chiropractors Can Relieve Sciatica
Although it may not be possible for our chiropractors to treat a patient’s spinal stenosis or disc degeneration, there are many ways in which they can mitigate painful symptoms caused by these conditions, including sciatica. Symptom management through chiropractic adjustment and therapy can be very effective for many individuals, and can often delay the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery.
Techniques Used By Our Chiropractic Specialists
Many of the following methods can be implemented in conjunction with one another, though a patient’s specific treatment plan will depend upon their own unique symptoms and how far their condition has progressed.
Spinal Manipulation
One of the primary specialties of our providers is of course, adjustments of the spine. These combine quick movements with manual pressure applied by the chiropractor in order to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the surrounding tissues, such as the sciatic nerve.
Cold Therapy
Applying ice along the sciatic nerve can help to relieve inflammation of the area, which can in turn alleviate pain caused by this type of swelling.
TENS Unit Therapy
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is able to deliver controlled electrical stimulation to various tissues of the body. This stimulation works to control the patient’s pain and any involuntary muscle spasms they may be experiencing as a result of their sciatica.
Ultrasound Heat Therapy
Similar to cold therapy, this technique uses ultrasound technology to reach deep soft tissues with a gentle level of heat. The goal of ultrasound heat therapy is to relax the tissues to improve any muscle spasms, stiffness, or cramping.
Contact the Boev Clinic for Treatment
If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic care for sciatica, or would like to explore additional treatment methods offered by our chiropractors, please call (585) 342-2638 today to set up an appointment!