Sciatic pain originates in the lower back and is referred through the buttocks into the legs by way of the sciatic nerve. It can be dull, shooting, tingling, burning, or numb. This symptom may be experienced more or less frequently depending on the particular disorder that is causing it. The dedicated practitioners at a Peabody chiropractic office will be able to provide effective pain relief therapy for these patients.
The chiropractor's first objective will be to determine the source of the sciatica, in order to choose the most suitable course of therapy for the patient. A physical assessment will be carried out and a full medical background obtained. Also, if any tests are indicated such as x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan, the practitioner will request these as well.
Spinal adjustments are central to the practice of chiropractic medicine and can be very effective in sciatic pain relief. They involve the practitioner applying a manual force to any part of the spinal column where there is a misalignment. As the misplaced part is put back in place, pain on the sciatic nerve is relieved, and mobility is improved.
The application of both heat and cold is effective also. Ice can reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. Heat delivered to affected tissues by means of an ultrasound device is very soothing, increases circulation, and helps lessen stiffness, cramps, and spasms.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy can also help the patient feel less pain. These devices, whether large and stationary or small and portable, work by connecting the affected areas via electrodes to the unit which delivers varying electrical currents to the the nerves. This effect relieves painful spasms associated with sciatica.
Sometimes sciatica will not be caused by an underlying condition that a chiropractor is trained to care for. In such a case, the practitioner can refer the patient to someone who can address the condition as it needs to be dealt with, but may still see the him or her strictly for pain management. For most patients however, the skilled practitioners at a Peabody chiropractic office will be able to help them find the relief they need and begin to live without the pain.
The chiropractor's first objective will be to determine the source of the sciatica, in order to choose the most suitable course of therapy for the patient. A physical assessment will be carried out and a full medical background obtained. Also, if any tests are indicated such as x-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan, the practitioner will request these as well.
Spinal adjustments are central to the practice of chiropractic medicine and can be very effective in sciatic pain relief. They involve the practitioner applying a manual force to any part of the spinal column where there is a misalignment. As the misplaced part is put back in place, pain on the sciatic nerve is relieved, and mobility is improved.
The application of both heat and cold is effective also. Ice can reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. Heat delivered to affected tissues by means of an ultrasound device is very soothing, increases circulation, and helps lessen stiffness, cramps, and spasms.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy can also help the patient feel less pain. These devices, whether large and stationary or small and portable, work by connecting the affected areas via electrodes to the unit which delivers varying electrical currents to the the nerves. This effect relieves painful spasms associated with sciatica.
Sometimes sciatica will not be caused by an underlying condition that a chiropractor is trained to care for. In such a case, the practitioner can refer the patient to someone who can address the condition as it needs to be dealt with, but may still see the him or her strictly for pain management. For most patients however, the skilled practitioners at a Peabody chiropractic office will be able to help them find the relief they need and begin to live without the pain.
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