NEW YORK, NY – 12 July, 2017 Sciatica can really hurt. No matter what’s causing it, the shooting pains it provokes in some patients can be almost unbearable.
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, running down the back of both legs. That means the pain can start in the lower back and buttocks and be experienced even in the ankles and feet.
But there’s no reason to live with the pain. The pain from sciatica can be managed effectively with numerous strategies and one of those is, of course, chiropractic.
Chiropractic care.
A study in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics published in 2010 found that chiropractic was a highly effective means of fighting sciatica.
120 participants experienced significant relief after pursuing chiropractic care 3 times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The effects were enduring, with relief from pain lasting for up to a year following treatment.
This effect indicates that regular chiropractic care can manage and even eliminate sciatic pain. Because chiropractic addresses the central nervous system via manipulation of the spine, nerve pain is effectively addressed. There’s also an anti-inflammatory effect which helps the body heal, to restore normal function.
The ancient Chinese answer.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese discipline which has become a respected complementary medicine all over the world.
While many people are skeptical about the healing power of acupuncture, its effects on sciatica can be dramatic. It’s also important for those who are afraid of needles to be aware that the very fine needles used in acupuncture aren’t the kind they fear.
The practice of acupuncture is rooted in a complex understanding of points on the body governing various functions. With a keen awareness of the central nervous system, acupuncture can effectively treat sciatic pain and even eliminate it, over time.
Medical massage.
A medical massage practitioner can reduce and even eliminate pain, but not by employing the kind of massage techniques you’ll find at your local spa.
Medical massage addresses trigger points. In the case of sciatica, the piriformis muscle is targeted, as when this muscle becomes tight, it can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
Patients should respond to trigger point therapy by the fourth session (with sessions held between 7 and 10 days apart). If there’s no reduction in pain, a secondary therapy will be added, or the patient will move on to another therapeutic model.
Fighting sciatica with multi-disciplinarian care.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I’m proud to be part of the leading edge multi-disciplinarian care model at Back & Body Medical. We bring together 4 distinct disciplines – chiropractic, acupuncture, sports medicine and physical therapy – to create a diversified environment of comprehensive healthcare.
Conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, we’re doctors and health professionals who bring our patients personalized therapeutic programs, drawing on the four areas of medical expertise we offer here.
Patients suffering from sciatic pain will find all the care they need under one roof. Fighting back against sciatica is a team effort with the healthcare professionals at Back & Body. Contact us to find out more.
