How Chiropractors Help Reduce Sciatica Inflammation
Sciatica is a condition where the nerves in the lower part of your spine come under pressure, often from the lower vertebrae of your back. Sciatica can cause the nerves to tingle or become numb. Sciatica often causes pain that runs down through the buttock and into the leg as it follows the path of the sciatic nerve. While many people seek relief through traditional medications or even surgery, a sciatic chiropractor near me in Des Moines, WA offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing sciatica inflammation.
How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Reduce Sciatica Inflammation
Chiropractors are experts in spinal health, and chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are one of the most effective ways to reduce sciatica inflammation. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments help:
Realigning the Spine
Sciatica is often caused by misalignments in the spine that place pressure on the sciatic nerve. Professionals can use chiropractic techniques for sciatica relief. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can relieve this pressure, allowing the body to heal naturally. A properly aligned spine reduces inflammation and improves nerve function, which ultimately alleviates sciatica pain.
Improving Joint Mobility
Stiff or immobile joints can contribute to muscle tension and inflammation. Chiropractic adjustments help improve joint mobility and flexibility, reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments that may be irritating the sciatic nerve.
Restoring Normal Function
When the spine is aligned correctly, it improves the body’s overall function. Chiropractors focus on ensuring that the entire nervous system operates efficiently, promoting better communication between the brain and the body. This improved function allows the body to heal and recover more effectively from inflammation and injury.
Complementary Therapies for Sciatica Inflammation
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors often use complementary therapies to enhance the healing process and provide ways to manage your sciatica discomfort. These therapies may include:
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Massage therapy also promotes the release of endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers.
Spinal Decompression
This technique involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. Spinal decompression is particularly beneficial for patients with herniated discs or spinal stenosis, as it can help create space for the disc to retract and reduce nerve compression.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Chiropractors may recommend alternating cold and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area. Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, while heat therapy relaxes muscles and promotes healing.
Corrective Exercises
While some forms of exercise include things that can make your sciatica worse, corrective exercises can provide relief. A chiropractor may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve posture, and prevent future episodes of sciatica. Strengthening the core muscles can help reduce the likelihood of disc herniation or misalignment, both of which contribute to sciatic nerve inflammation.
Reduce Inflammation with Chiropractic Care from Ascent Chiropractic
At Ascent Chiropractic, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you live pain-free. Don’t let sciatica control your life, find a sciatic chiropractor near you in Des Moines, WA. Schedule an appointment today and start your journey toward recovery! Contact Ascent Chiropractic or give us a call at 206-241-3836 learn more about how our services can help you.