Sciatica is the impingement of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the low back to the glutes and down the leg. There are multiple points of entrapment that can affect the sciatic nerve. The most common entrapment causes are disc bulges or herniations in the low back and compression from muscles, such as the piriformis muscle. Other conditions can cause sciatica, such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, tumors, or trauma.
Chiropractic adjustments can help restore joint range of motion to the tight or stiff areas. Freeing up these joints can help relieve stress, tension, and pressure around the sciatic nerve roots that exit the low back (lumbar) vertebrae.
Our flexion/distraction chiropractic table creates spinal decompression by slightly pulling on the low back while creating flexion in the low back vertebrae. This is a great treatment option to relax the musculature and stretch the low back, helping reduce disc protrusion and allowing the nerves to flow more freely. Our therapists will also usually perform manual therapy (or massage) to the muscles surrounding the low back during the procedure for added muscle relaxation.
Research suggests that laser therapy is an effective treatment method for sciatic pain and tissue recovery. Our practice utilizes a Summus class IV laser, the greatest in the industry, which can deliver a variety of light wavelengths for pain reduction, tissue healing, increased circulation, and inflammation reduction. High-intensity deep tissue laser therapy is typically performed on the area and surrounding tissues of pain and dysfunction.
This treatment method uses ultrasonic sound waves to break down inflammation. Ultrasound therapy is a painless and non-invasive procedure.
We utilize manual therapy to help relax the musculature. Manual therapy is essential for sciatica caused by piriformis muscle constriction on the sciatic nerve. Manual therapy may be necessary to help relieve tightness, pressure, and tension on the sciatic nerve. Post-treatment soreness may occur for a couple of days after treatment with manual therapy.
Our EMS machine can deliver treatment for both acute and chronic conditions. You may feel a vibrating or tingling sensation during this treatment. Depending on the settings chosen for your condition, you may also feel some muscle contractions. EMS can help relax the musculature and relieve some of the pain related to sciatica.
Prescription of exercises and stretches helps the sciatic nerve move more freely throughout the body while also providing stabilization -- by strengthening the musculature -- to the affected area.
Ice (or cryotherapy) can help reduce inflammation, thus decreasing pressure on the sciatic nerve. We often recommend ice post-treatment unless otherwise directed.
Contact us today to start your examination and treatment plan for sciatic pain at RYSE Chiropractic in Moss Bluff, LA.
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