Chiropractic Massage for Sciatica: A Natural Treatment for Relief

Sciatica is a common condition that is characterized by pain and discomfort that radiate along the sciatic nerve, the nerve that travels from the buttocks area and down each leg. Worldwide, it usually affects people in their 40s onward, and if left untreated, it can be a debilitating ailment that may lead to severe physical, psychological, and emotional stress.

The good news is that all is not lost if you are affected by the said condition. That is because you can turn to complementary treatment in the mold of chiropractic massage. With this holistic approach, you can achieve lasting pain relief minus the need to take medications, undergo surgery, and so forth.

In addition, it should be noted that chiro practitioners–due to their extensive training–have a clear understanding of the musculoskeletal (associated with the muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and cartilage) system. This allows them to accurately apply pressure and, at the same time, manipulate the muscles to drastically reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. This drug-free method can aid in breaking up scar tissues, releasing endorphins, promoting deep muscle relaxation, and alleviating sciatica pain.

To further appreciate this method, let us take a closer look at sciatica and how chiropractic treatment can help. Read on.

Sciatica explained

In simple terms, sciatica is nerve pain that arises from an injury or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the thickest as well as the longest nerve in the body. Each and every one of us has two of the said nerves, one on each side of the body. They are made up of a bundle of nerves that come from nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord.

If you have sciatica, you may experience mild to severe pain, which originates from the nerves that connect to the sciatic nerve. Its symptoms may involve numbness or tingling in the back or butt area that may also radiate down to the leg area. Some of them may even extend down to the feet and toes, but it all depends on the specific nerve that is affected.

How common is sciatica? According to Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School, it is one of the most common, yet misunderstood kinds of pain. About 40% of people will develop it at some point of their lives and it becomes more frequent with age.

In the Philippines, according to the University of the Philippines Department of Orthopedics, the most common cause of spinal problems are degenerative conditions specifically slipped or herniated discs and stenosis. Stenosis is a condition where the space in the interior of the backbone is too small, which puts inappropriate pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.

The good news is that a vast majority of sciatica cases, especially mild ones, can be treated with a combination of cold and hot compress, strengthening and stretching exercises, and over-the-counter painkillers. However, severe ones may require steroid injections and surgery. But because of its potential, many medical practitioners encourage the inclusion of chiropractic massage and other forms of chiro treatment programs.

Sciatica and chiropractic treatment

Chiropractic care offers a natural and gentle path to sciatica relief. Compared to other forms of pain management treatments that are oftentimes expensive and are coupled with adverse side effects, the said holistic approach can address the cause of the pain. All these can be achieved without causing further damage to the sciatica nerve and other parts of the body. Because of its efficacy and safety, chiro care is also used to manage other nerve conditions Below are some methods that chiropractors may use.

• Chiropractic massage

Chiropractic massage offers a particular approach that aims to deliver sciatica pain relief. Unlike conventional spa and sports massage, which are done to relax the muscles as well as reduce accumulated tension, the one that is performed by a chiro is done to address the underlying causes of sciatica. Along the way, it also fixes muscle spasms and misalignments in the buttocks as well as the lower back area.

• Chiropractic adjustment

Another common chiropractic care technique that is utilized to treat pain symptoms that are associated with sciatica is a spinal or chiropractic adjustment. This method includes manipulating the spine in an effort to realign the vertebrae, which have become misaligned because of a myriad of reasons. Since the spine is brought back to its proper alignment, the pressure on the sciatic nerve is also reduced.

In addition to alleviating pain, chiropractic adjustment benefits include improving overall well-being and allowing you to live your life to the fullest.

• Hot and cold therapy

Combining hot and cold therapy is a strategy that is utilized by chiropractors to deliver rapid sciatica pain relief. Heat, if properly used, can loosen up stiff muscles and, in the process, drastically lessen pain intensity.

In line with this, cold therapy can diminish inflammation by reducing the flow of blood to the painful area. It is important to note that chiropractors are health experts who are specifically trained to determine the proper treatment for patients. This includes using either of the said therapy or alternating both. They can also give pointers on how to make the most of hot and/or cold therapy.

• Spinal decompression

After some time, the discs that are located between the vertebrae in your spine can lose moisture, and later on, shrink. This may cause pressure and tension to accumulate on the nerves, which if not properly treated, may lead to intense pain.

To address the said issues, a chiropractor may perform spinal decompression, which involves gently stretching the spine in an effort to create more space between the vertebrae. This gets rid of the accumulated pressure and tension; consequently reducing sciatica pain.

Is chiropractic treatment safe for sciatica relief?

Is being adjusted by a chiropractor safe? You ask. Well, according to countless studies, its level of safety is high. However, so as to make sure that your safety is not compromised in any way, it is best to get treatment from a licensed chiro clinic that is backed by a long history of patient safety.

Also, it is important to note that major side effects of chiropractic massage and other treatments are very rare, while some patients may experience mild soreness and discomfort that usually goes away after a day or two. Immediately contacting your chiropractor when they persist is crucial if you want a guarantee that your health is well taken care of.

Summing up

When performed by a highly trained practitioner and a thorough plan is implemented, chiropractic massage is an effective, efficient, and safe option for sciatica pain relief.

Therefore, do not push the panic button just yet if you are struggling with sciatica. Remember that you can still live your life to the fullest with chiropractic care from Posture Perfect. Our doctors will work closely with you to create a personalized approach that can be beneficial when it comes to relieving sciatica pain and improving your overall health.

So book an appointment now and experience sciatic pain relief from a top-quality chiropractic clinic.​