Sciatica is described as a pain, tingling, or numbness that occurs around the pelvic region and down the leg.  When an individual experiences sciatic pain, the pain can extend from the hips all the way down to the foot.  Even more complicated is the weakness that can occur from an individual experiencing sciatica, making it more difficult to cope with the pain and carry on with life as usual.

Sciatica may be caused by several different misalignments in areas of the body related to the position of the sciatic nerve.  Most commonly, sciatica is a result of an improperly aligned spine, most specifically the lower spine hitting on the sciatic nerve.  A herniated disc can also cause sciatica, as can a misaligned pelvis.  These causes are perfect candidates for chiropractic adjustment.

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Chiropractic adjustments for sciatica are some of the best treatments available for the condition, although they aren’t the only treatments, they are regarded as highly effective and less invasive than options like surgery.  In fact, surgery is only recommended as a last resort after other methods of treatment have been sought.  Drugs are also commonly prescribed to deal with sciatica and sciatic pain.  However, pain medications only mask symptoms and are highly addictive, not to mention bad on the kidneys and liver.

Depending on the source of sciatica (the location that is irritating the sciatic nerve), a chiropractor will work to adjust and realign the area.  This treatment is designed to move the spine or pelvis off the nerve and eradicate any blockages that may be pinching the nerve.  Research has shown that individuals who receive chiropractic care for sciatica have seen a significant reduction in the prevalence of symptoms.

They key in seeking treatment, and experiencing the most effective treatment, is that help is sought right away.  Many sciatica sufferers wait to seeking treatment until the pain is so intense they are unable to carry on with their daily lives, or until the pain is too intense to withstand anymore.  The problem with this approach is that waiting to treat sciatica can actually leave you with long-term damage to the area, and possibly long-term pain.  Seek professional assistance as soon as you notice pain to treat both the problem and the symptoms, and thus eliminate the possibility of further damaging your body.