Why Choose Chiropractic Care for Sciatica?

By Matthew Gianforte

Sciatica refers to pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs. This leg pain can take on the form of a bad leg cramp. However, it can also take the form of shooting pains that make everything from sitting to standing uncomfortable. Sciatica can occur suddenly or develop overtime. The pain of sciatica can be made worse when you sneeze or cough. Sciatica can be one of the most painful and most persistent conditions around. Millions of individuals each year make the trip to a doctor's office with the goal of curing sciatica. What many people don't realize is that chiropractic care for sciatica is actually quite popular.
The goal of chiropractic care for sciatica is to help the body's potential to heal itself. Chiropractic care of sciatica is based on the scientific principle that restricted spinal movements can lead to pain and minimize function as well as performance. By choosing chiropractic care for sciatica, you are opting for drug-free and non-invasive care.
Chiropractors use a variety of different therapies based on the cause of each individual patient's sciatica. A chiropractic treatment plan for sciatica may include:
Cold Therapy. Your chiropractic care for sciatica may include ice or cold therapy. This helps to reduce inflammation and control the pain associated with sciatica. Cold therapy is also a process that you can learn to engage in at home for even more relief of your sciatica symptoms.
Ultrasound Therapy. Ultrasound applies gentle heat to the body by means of sound waves that can penetrate deep down into your tissues. As part of chiropractic care for sciatica, ultrasound helps to increase circulation. Ultrasound can also reduce muscle spasms, cramps, stiffness, pain and swelling.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (more commonly known as a TENS unit). A TENS unit is a small, box-shaped, portable device that is designed to help stimulate muscles. With a variety of intensities when it comes to electrical current, a TENS unit helps to control acute pain as well as reduce muscle spasms.
Spinal Manipulation. Spinal manipulation may also play a role in chiropractic treatment of sciatica. Spinal adjustments are the core of chiropractic care and can help to free restricted movements of the spine. Spinal manipulation also helps to restore misaligned vertebrae and reduce nerve irritability. Nerve irritability is often responsible for causing pain, inflammation, muscle spasms and other symptoms that are associated with sciatica. While you may require several adjustments, many people experience pain relief in as little as one adjustment.
Chiropractic care for sciatica has been proven to combat the agonizing pain associated with sciatica. The result of chiropractic care for sciatica are long lasting and can help you return to the activities you enjoy the most. Be sure that your chiropractor takes x-rays prior to beginning any treatments. Your chiropractor should be made aware of any underlying conditions that may affect treatment options. With the help of a chiropractor, you can find a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and wants.
For help with your sciatic pain call Lifeworks Integrative Health at 913-441-2293 or visit our website at http://www.lifeworkskc.com. We also serve the area of Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, and the surrounding area.
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