Suffering from sciatica? Dr. Gregory Yurkovich at Chapel Hill Family Chiropractic in Chapel Hill, NC, offers personalized and natural relief techniques.
Quick Guide to Sciatica
Back pain is bad enough. When that back pain is combined with symptoms of a compressed nerve – such as is the case with sciatica – the suffering can be excruciating. However, there is good news as chiropractic care can provide natural and effective relief. Learn more about sciatica, how chiropractors treat it, and the steps for avoiding it in the guide below from Dr. Yurkovich at Chapel Hill Family Chiropractic in Chapel Hill, NC.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a group of symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed. This nerve, of which there are two, is the longest in the body and stretches from the lower back to the foot. Often, it becomes compressed or pinched due to a herniated disc. This is an injury in which a spinal disc develops a tear and the filling spills out.
When that filling lies on the sciatic nerve’s roots, it creates symptoms such as low back pain. The pain can be an intense, shooting pain, a dull ache, or a burning, throbbing sensation. It can also travel down the legs and to the feet.
Sciatic nerve compression also leads to numbness and tingling in the limbs and muscle weakness. These symptoms – along with back pain – are typically only felt on one side of the body, and they often dissipate when you change positions.
Treating Sciatic Nerve Compression
The focus of treatment is to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Two main techniques for doing so are adjustments, which restore spinal alignment, and traction therapy, which stretches and creates space in the spinal column. Electrical stimulation therapy, myofascial release, and therapeutic ultrasound are also utilized to relieve pain and inflammation, stimulate healing in the tissues, and improve blood flow to the spinal column.
Preventing Sciatica
Your sciatic nerve can become compressed due to a variety of things, including auto accidents. Therefore, you can’t completely prevent it, but you can significantly reduce your chances of developing it with the following steps.
- Practice proper posture and lifting techniques: Many cases of nerve compression are due to slouching, sitting for long periods, and lifting awkwardly or improperly.
- Staying active: Being sedentary or carrying excess weight can lead to nerve compression. Regular exercise can prevent these issues, as well as improve blood flow to the spine.
- Visit a chiropractor regularly: Maintaining spinal health is critical for preventing sciatica and other issues.
Find relief from sciatica by visiting Dr. Yurkovich at Chapel Hill Family Chiropractic in Chapel Hill, NC. Call (919) 929-4244 to schedule an appointment today.