The 4 Best Ways to Manage Your Sciatica Discomfort
Sciatica is a common condition affecting around 40 percent of Americans. Pain that results from sciatica can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning, stabbing sensation.
Other common sciatica symptoms include numbness and a tingling sensation in the affected leg. Some people with sciatica feel pain in one part of their leg and numbness in another part. Sciatica pain can be quite debilitating, affecting a person’s quality of life.
If you are located in Burien and are looking for Sciatica Chiropractic near me, then reach out to our expert team at Ascent Chiropractic. We are experts in delivering personalized treatment plans tailored to address the root cause of your sciatica pain.
But first, here are our top tips for managing sciatica pain.
Apply Heat or Cold
If you have started experiencing sciatica symptoms recently, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day to the affected areas to reduce inflammation around the nerve. After a few days, switch to heat. Using heating pads or hot towels, apply heat to the affected area to relax tense muscles.
Stretch and Exercise
Gentle stretching exercises can help reduce muscle tension to improve mobility. Consider exercises designed to gently stretch the back, hamstrings, and buttock muscles. Walking, water exercises, and other low-impact exercises can increase blood flow to the nerves and spine, speeding up the healing process.
Use a Supportive Mattress
To manage sciatica symptoms, sleep on a mattress that supports the spine. Look for a medium-firm mattress with adequate cushioning that can help maintain proper spine alignment. When choosing a mattress type, consider your preferred sleeping position. For side sleepers, a slightly softer mattress might help relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders. People who sleep on their back may benefit from a mattress with a firmer surface.
Consider Sciatica Chiropractic Care
Though many prescription and over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce sciatica pain, they don’t prevent the cause of the problem. Many people with sciatica who want to avoid painkiller side effects and eliminate sciatic pain, use chiropractic care to manage their condition naturally.
Chiropractic care is more effective than traditional medicine as it addresses the underlying cause of pain, instead of its symptoms. It is 100 percent drug-free and can help reduce dependence on pain medication. During a chiropractic adjustment, the body produces hormones that reduce stress and pain, making it the best choice for those with stress-induced sciatic pain.
A Chiropractor who specializes in Sciatica treatment uses spinal adjustments to realign the spine and relax tense muscles. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce inflammation to decrease pain and improve function. A sciatica chiropractor can also help you make important lifestyle changes to improve your overall health, like suggesting exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your back, improving your spinal health. Your chiropractor can help you identify posture problems that can exacerbate sciatica symptoms and correct them.
We at Ascent Chiropractic take a holistic approach to patient care. Our chiropractic techniques strengthen and stabilize the body, allowing our clients to indulge in their favorite activities without worrying about pain flares. To learn more, call 206-241-3836.