Chiropractor West Ashley, SC Discusses Sciatica

In the United States, there are an estimated 3 million diagnosed cases of sciatica each year.

One of the most significant and common causes of disability and pain results from a condition known as sciatica. This condition causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which starts in the lower back. Health experts have estimated that around 40% of people will experience sciatica at some point during their life. For sufferers of this painful ailment, flare-ups can last anywhere between a few hours to several weeks at a time.

Learn more about sciatica, natural treatments for the condition, and about how chiropractic care can relieve pain associated with sciatica in Charleston area patients.

What is sciatica?

As briefly mentioned, sciatica is an acute condition that causes pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. This pain is experienced in what is known as the sciatic nerve. The pain typically follows the path of the nerve for its entire length and often happens on just one side of the body.

Patients who have been diagnosed with the condition often experience pain through differing sensations. Some individuals report that the pain is quite mild, while others feel pain that is sharp and severe.

What causes sciatica?

One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated disc. This usually happens after someone has experienced an injury. Osteoarthritis and piriformis syndrome are also known causes of the occasionally debilitating condition.

Natural alternatives to pain medication for sciatica

Aside from medication, there are many natural treatment options for sciatica pain. From chiropractic care to supplements, explore some of my top recommendations.

Turmeric: Turmeric isn’t just a spice that is excellent for cooking. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is used for a wide range of health-related applications. One such application is sciatica relief. Those who take turmeric can experience reduced inflammation that occurs with the condition, as well as pain relief in the affected area.

Omega-3s: Another powerful anti-inflammatory supplement that can be used to treat sciatica pain is omega-3 fatty acids. When taken regularly, this oil can significantly reduce pain, and decrease the need for over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.

Topical CBD oil: Within the last several years, CBD (cannabidiol) oil has risen in popularity for a variety of applications. From bath bombs to cotton candy, to honey, CBD can now be found in dozens of products. This hemp-derived, non-psychoactive substance is praised for its pain-relieving properties. By adding topical CBD oil to the affected area, sciatica pain can be greatly reduced with this effective natural remedy.

Chiropractic adjustments: In addition to natural supplements for sciatica in Charleston, chiropractic care is also a key component of medication-free healing and pain relief. By calming nerve irritability, taking pressure off of certain nerves, and correcting misaligned vertebra, sciatica pain can rapidly begin to disappear.

How can chiropractic care help sciatica?

Looking for natural relief of your sciatica pain in Charleston? Getting regular chiropractic adjustments is one of the safest and most natural ways to treat the condition.

In fact, research has confirmed the effectiveness of chiropractic care for sciatica patients. One study revealed that chiropractic adjustments were especially effective for low back pain, sciatica, and disc protrusions¹.

Often times, more than one adjustment is needed to get the body aligned enough for healing to occur. However, many patients report some degree of pain relief after just one visit.

In addition to getting regular adjustments, chiropractors can provide you with long-term solutions for your pain. To continue the healing process at home, specific spinal exercises can be used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments². These exercises work well because they strengthen the back muscles, and work to address the root cause of the sciatica flare-up. When paired together, adjustments and exercises can quickly reduce symptoms, and decrease the severity of pain experienced.

Also, various in-office treatments can be used in conjunction with your chiropractic adjustment. Cold therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation, while pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF) can increase circulation to the affected area.

Experience the natural healing and pain relief chiropractic care can bring to your sciatica symptoms by booking an appointment today.

Author

Dr. Brad Gorski At Elite Family Chiropractic in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Brad Gorski is a top-ranked chiropractor offering effective treatment options for back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, migraines, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and more. He provides chiropractic care and weight loss guidance to help his patients achieve their goal of optimum health and wellness. Dr. Gorski received his doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2008. While Elite Family Chiropractic focuses primarily on the benefits and solutions that can be provided with chiropractic care for patients in Charleston, SC, Dr. Gorski also offers nutrition and lifestyle coaching for people at Turned On Living, available to patients nationwide.