Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

What is Sciatica?

 Sciatica gets its name from the big sciatic nerve in your lower back that runs down both legs. When the nerve is compressed, it hurts. Sciatica has quite a few common causes, ranging from a herniated disc to pregnancy or even sleeping on the wrong mattress or wearing high heels.

Because sciatica can be caused by fairly routine disorders or habits, it’s a common cause of low back pain. That pain can travel, radiating down the back and/or sides of your legs.

 You might experience burning, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg (usually on one side). Sciatica can even lead to difficulty moving your leg or foot and shooting pains that make standing difficult. It can be short-lived or become a chronic condition. It’s miserable.

 Treatment for Sciatica

 Traditional treatments for sciatica include over-the-counter pain relievers, heat or cold packs, physical therapy, acupuncture, or surgery.

 That’s a pretty big jump from acupuncture to surgery. It’s a jump that many of you, understandably, are reluctant to make. If you have persistent sciatica, consider chiropractic care, including the option of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.

 Many chiropractors now offer non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for sciatica. The more we learn about back pain, the more treatment options become available. You might be able to avoid an invasive procedure.

Chiropractors are no strangers to back pain. We’ve been treating it forever. Back pain is common in adults of all ages and from all walks of life. Injuries, repetitive stress and the aging process can all make us more prone to aching muscles and painful joints.

Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy for Sciatica—Does it Work?

 Most adults have experienced the discomfort of a sore back. Too much lifting, poor posture, and even sleeping in an awkward position can lead to an unhappy back.

 For some of you, occasional back pain turns into chronic back pain—the kind that makes it hard to live your life. One type of chronic back pain is sciatica, causing pain in your lower back and legs.

What is Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy?

 Before any treatment, you will be thoroughly evaluated to make sure you are a good candidate for spinal decompression. Your chiropractor will also decide which areas require treatment so that your regimen can be created specifically to treat your back pain.

 Non-surgical decompression therapy for sciatica is a way to reduce the pressure on the discs in your lower back. Your spine is gently stretched using motorized traction harnesses controlled and individualized by a computer run by your chiropractor.

Spinal Decompression @PinedaChiropractic

 The stretching is achieved through gentle pulling alternated with relaxation. As your spine gently stretches and becomes longer, the discs can move into their proper position.

 The specific points of stretch and relaxation depending on your pain and the condition of your spine. During your evaluation, your doctor will identify the areas of your spine most in need of pressure relief.

 Spinal decompression therapy gives the discs in your spine space and time to heal. It is thought that during the stretch the discs become surrounded by fluids, nutrients, and oxygen, allowing access to your body’s natural ability to repair and heal.

 Non-surgical spinal decompression can be done right in your chiropractor’s office. You remain fully clothed and lie on your back or stomach on the specially designed table. It usually takes somewhere between 15 minutes and an hour for each session.

 You may need 20 or more sessions to complete your treatment. Many patients report less pain after the first few sessions. Completing the series is thought to produce better, longer-lasting results.

 Your chiropractor is also likely to advise coordinated treatments to properly align your spine and pelvis and strengthen your muscles. These treatments help your body support a healthy, pain-free spine.

 Benefits of Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy

 It is thought that relieving disc pressure, providing space for proper alignment and circulation, and encouraging healing decompression therapy can relieve back pain caused by sciatica.

 Patients who have received decompression therapy report reduced pain, increased flexibility, and improved mobility. The treatments may also help improve your posture.

 Spinal decompression therapy is thought to increase the quality of patients’ lives through the reduction of pain. Other benefits of relieving the pain of sciatica include increased ability to exercise (which is good for maintaining a pain-free back), better sleep, and more energy.

 Relieving chronic back pain can improve every aspect of your life. In addition to increasing your comfort, it offers improved daily function. Sciatica pain is distracting and disrupts concentration at work and school. Back pain also interferes with your ability to take care of your home and pursue hobbies and interests.

 For patients with sciatica whose pain is reduced by decompression therapy, it can be a life-altering experience. As a non-invasive treatment, spinal decompression therapy also eliminates the risks of a surgical procedure.    

 Is Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Right for You?

 Many people are good candidates for spinal decompression therapy, but not everyone.  If you have fractures, metal spinal implants, tumors, or an abdominal aortic aneurysm, this is not a recommended treatment.

 Advanced osteoarthritis and pregnancy are also considered contraindications for spinal decompression. A thorough medical history is important for determining if you are a candidate for this, or any other, treatment protocol.

 If you have questions about spinal decompression therapy, reach out to your local chiropractor. They can help you determine the best way to reduce your back pain. There are several non-surgical options for those suffering from sciatica.

 Spinal decompression therapy is gentle and non-invasive. The treatments are not painful. You can be treated in the office in sessions often as short as 15 minutes.

 Dr. Pineda is a San Jose chiropractor with expert knowledge in the area of disc injuries and the treatment of sciatica. Contact us today for more information about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for sciatica.

Lavonne Pineda