Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Friday, August 30, 2013

By Randy Clayton Mazch


Lower back problems can cause several issues including pain that travels down the leg, a condition called sciatica. In 90 percent of cases, this pain results from a problem with a disc in the lower back, an area medically termed the lumbar spine. This problem is typically referred to as a bulging, slipped, protruding, or herniated disc. Research indicates that 95 percent of patients may experience relief by using chiropractic treatment, a noninvasive therapy administered by a medical professional called a chiropractor.

Sciatica is another term for radiating leg pain and can be one of the most uncomfortable conditions a person can experience. A chiropractic doctor is skilled in treating patients suffering from this discomfort. A history, testing and physical examination are used to make a diagnosis and if appropriate, chiropractic therapy is utilized to help improve the symptoms. Chiropractic treatment is an alternative approach to back surgery that can relieve sciatica without medications or invasive techniques.

Chiropractic treatment may include spinal manipulation to address lack of normal motion and correct spinal misalignments. It may also consist of electric stimulation to relax muscles and therapeutic exercises that stretch inflexible areas and strengthen the muscles that support these areas. Disc traction is another common chiropractic treatment for sciatic nerve pain. This involves stretching the spine axially away from the affected disc. The disc protrusion is sucked in while the disk is nourished. After several weeks of treatment, the protrusion may shrink enough to relieve pressure from the nerve root.

Treatment given by a doctor of chiropractic is considered an option to prescription drugs and steroid injections like prednisone, each of which may have complications. Patients can enhance the benefits received from treatment by their chiropractor by taking care of their health. Exercises that stretch the lower back can help to decompress the nerve root. A chiropractor can show the appropriate exercises to perform on an on-going basis.

If pain exacerbates between chiropractic visits, application of a cold pack to the painful area for 20-minute intervals several times a day may provide relief. Using cold pack treatments until the next chiropractic appointment may provide relief.

Though it is not always possible to prevent this condition from reoccurring, patients can do several things to protect their backs. Regular exercise is the most important for both this area and overall health. Exercise should focus on core muscles that are in the lower back and abdomen that are essential for correct alignment and posture. Patients should also maintain proper posture when seated and use good body mechanics including proper lifting and resting a foot on a stool when standing for long periods.

Chiropractic treatment has proven effective for most patients suffering from sciatica due to disc problems in the lower back. This alternative to traditional treatment can prevent a sciatic patient from needing surgery. Patients with lumbar spine issues should consult with a physician to determine whether they are candidates for chiropractic treatment.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment