Have you felt a stabbing pain that runs down your back and into your leg? If so, you could be dealing with sciatica. In this article we explain what a chiropractor is for in these cases and how it can help you relieve pain without relying on medication.
What is sciatica and why does it hurt so much?
Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve is sciatic nerve -the longest nerve in the human body - becomes inflamed or compressed. This nerve runs from the lower back to the feet, and when irritated, pain spreads down the leg, sometimes accompanied by numbness or burning.
This commonly occurs because of spinal misalignments, herniated discs or muscle tension that presses on the nerve.
What is a chiropractor for in these cases?
A chiropractor is trained to detect the exact cause of the radiating pain. Then, apply gentle, precise adjustments that correct spinal alignment, remove pressure on the nerve and allow your body to recover naturally.
In addition, he can offer you personalized exercises and posture advice to prevent the discomfort from returning.
According to the American Chiropractic Associationspinal manipulation is an effective and safe option for the treatment of sciatic pain without surgery (read more here).
And if you want to see how this type of treatment is performed, we recommend you to read:
👉 Chiropractic adjustments for sciatica: do they really work?
What techniques do you use to relieve pain?
Among the most common are:
- Spinal adjustments to release the nerve compression.
- Spinal decompression techniques for herniated or inflamed discs.
- Muscle therapy to relax tense areas that aggravate the problem.
- Postural education to prevent relapses.
All this is adapted to each patient, depending on the intensity of the pain and its exact origin.
When to seek help?
If the pain persists for more than a few days, prevents you from walking normally or interferes with your rest, it is time to see a specialist. The sooner you receive care, the sooner you can resume your activities without discomfort.
Conclusion
When pain travels down your leg and prevents you from living normally, know what a chiropractor is for can make a difference. His approach not only treats the symptoms, but corrects the root cause of the problem so that it does not recur.
Your body has the ability to heal, and with the right support, you can move freely again.
