Sciatica is commonly described as leg pain caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back region. Although the issue usually begins in nerve roots located on either side of the lower spine, the symptoms can travel through the sciatic nerve, which runs the length of each leg from the buttock down into the foot.
 |
| Share Free Ebook |
What is Sciatica?
“The leg pain, referred to as radiculopathy, is often worse
than the back pain,” stated William A. Abdu, MD, medical director of the Spine
Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
The most common cause for sciatica symptoms is a herniated
disc. When a disc develops a tear or crack and bulges into the spinal canal, it
can pinch the sciatic nerve. Generally, the symptoms can resolve within
approximately 6 weeks, but for some individuals, the pain and discomfort may
continue, developing into chronic symptoms. Fortunately, there are a variety of
alternative treatment options available to help people suffering with these
painful, sciatica symptoms.
Chiropractic
A study conducted by the Journal of Manipulative and
Physiological Therapeutics in 2010 found that 60 percent of individuals
diagnosed with sciatica who didn’t get relief from other therapies but then
tried spinal adjustments had experienced the same degree of pain relief as
individuals who had surgery. The 120 people involved in the study visited a
chiropractor about 3 times a week for 4 weeks and followed with weekly visits, gradually
decreasing their treatment as they felt better. For individuals who responded
well to chiropractic treatment, their benefits lasted up to a year. “Spinal
manipulation creates a response in the nervous system that relieves pain and
restores normal mobility to the injured area,” stated study researcher Gordon
McMorland, Dc, of National Spine Care in Calgary, Alberta. “It also reduces
inflammation, creating an environment that promotes the body’s natural healing
mechanics.”
Chiropractic and Sciatica
Yoga
Yoga is also an effective solution for many individuals
suffering from sciatica symptoms. A study published in the journal Pain announced
that individuals diagnosed with chronic back pain who practiced yoga for approximately
16 weeks reported decreased pain levels by up to 64% with reduced disability of
up to 77%. Although further studies are still required to further determine the
effects of yoga on sciatica, gentle forms of this activity can be beneficial. Participating
in yoga can greatly help people experiencing sciatica because it strengthens
the muscles and improves their flexibility, assisting them to move and function
better in order for them to not fall into a posture that can further aggravate
their sciatica symptoms.
Exercise
When it comes to individuals suffering from sciatic nerve
pain, exercise is the last thing on their mind but it’s essential for these
people to continue being physically active. As a matter of fact, lying in bed
makes it more likely that the pain will last longer. Exercise and physical
activity increases blood flow to the discs and the nerves, helping decrease the
amount of chemicals causing the inflammation. As simple as a 15-to-20-minute
walk can help. If this becomes too painful for the individual, swimming and
water aerobics can be a great alternative to remain physically active and avoid
experiencing pain from your sciatica because while in the water, there’s less
pressure being placed on the back. Additionally, a physical therapist can help
recommend an appropriate set of stretching exercises according to each
individual’s needs to restore flexibility to the back or advice on a group of
moves to strengthen the core muscles, both of these to help stabilize the spine
and reduce the risk of further injuries.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has also been frequently used as another
effective alternative treatment for sciatica sufferers. A small study conducted
in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that of 30 individuals
diagnosed with sciatica, 17 gained complete relief while 10 saw their symptoms
improve through the utilization of warming acupuncture, the procedure in which
the needles are heated.
Individuals experiencing this painful condition don’t have
to endure their pain and discomfort. If you’ve been diagnosed with sciatica
symptoms, there are a variety of alternative treatments available to help you
achieve the natural, healthy state of your spine according to each individual’s
needs.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
