Sciatica is the result of an irritation or injury to the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve starts from your buttock or gluteal area, runs through your hip and leg, and ends below your knee. It branches into other nerves that continue through the leg into your foot and toes. People with sciatica may suffer from common symptoms including severe pain and leg weakness, and see changes in their bowel or bladder. If you think you have sciatica or are experiencing sciatic nerve pain, make an appointment with your chiropractor. Here’s how chiropractic treatment can resolve the problem.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is known as a holistic treatment approach, as it focuses on the well-being of your body instead of focusing on merely treating symptoms or pain. Chiropractic sessions align your spine, so it relieves the pain and pressure on parts of your body. Since sciatica can be the result of a pinched nerve causing nerve compression, the sessions can relieve that pressure, easing or eliminating the source of your pain. Stretching your muscles and applying controlled pressure to your joints can also reduce the discomfort. A visit to the chiropractor can also help you determine which body positions or activities are hindering your health and overall lifestyle.
What Happens During the First Session?
Your chiropractor will carry out a thorough examination to assess your condition and sciatica symptoms to determine if it’s treatable with chiropractic care. Once the chiropractor has formed a diagnosis, they can develop a treatment plan for your sciatic pain. They’ll also recommend specific exercises that you can do at home to help stretch your muscles and restore a little more flexibility, including range of motion exercise, core strengthening exercises, bridge exercises and more. That’s what you can expect from your first appointment with a reputable chiropractor for sciatica in Fort Collins, CO.
How Long Will the Treatment Take?
Every person is different, so the length of treatment differs from person to person. However, it will generally take multiple sessions before patients achieve pain relief from the condition. That means you can’t rush through your treatment. If you ask the chiropractor to intensify the treatments, believing that will help you recover faster, that won’t happen. Go with the treatment flow. Give your body as much time as it needs to heal instead of rushing it. Forcing yourself to feel better as soon as possible only hinders your recovery. Additionally, integrating other therapies such as deep tissue massage and acupuncture can help.
When Do I Go to a Chiropractor for Help?
Sciatica pain can last more than a week. If that happens, seek professional help. Also, if the pain gets worse every day, if rest or over-the-counter meds no longer work, and your leg feels weak and numb, you need medical treatment. Make an appointment before your condition worsens.
Please contact Heart & Hand Chiropractic to find out how we can help you in your quest for optimal health. Contact our Fort Collins office today at (970) 377-3557, or e-mail us online, to schedule a complimentary spinal screening.