It is estimated that about 40% of people in the U.S. will experience sciatica sometime during their life. Despite nearly half of our population facing this issue, it is one of the most misunderstood conditions in the medical community. More sufferers in Nebraska are turning to an upper cervical chiropractor in Omaha for a long-term solution to sciatic nerve pain and associated symptoms.
The Basics of Sciatica
Sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Those experiencing sciatica may feel pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve from the lower back, deep into the buttock, and down the leg. This burning or shooting pain may be accompanied by numbness that may be localized to one side of the body. Sciatic pain can range from mild to debilitating, hindering people from going about their normal daily activities.
Underlying conditions that are often the cause of sciatic pain include:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Trauma
- Pregnancy
1) Will Sciatica Get Worse If It Is Ignored?
Since sciatica is often a symptom of a more severe underlying condition, it will not likely get better if ignored. The underlying condition must be properly dealt with to see improvements. However, if the sciatic pain was triggered by physical trauma, the back pain will likely improve once the swelling subsides. A chiropractor can help sufferers determine the cause of their sciatica and create a treatment plan to ensure the sciatic pain does not worsen.
2) Will Sciatica Symptoms Resolve without Intervention?
Sciatica will not go away on its own. To see real improvements, sufferers will need to make lifestyle adjustments and get regular chiropractic treatments to promote natural healing.
3) What Should People Do When Sciatic Pain Starts?
If sciatic pain flares up, it is recommended that people reduce their physical activity for a few days. This will give the body time to rest and recover. It is also a good idea to do some light stretching, take medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation, and alternate hot and cold packs on the lower back. Scheduling a gentle massage may also help reduce the severity of symptoms.
4) Will Painkillers Treat Sciatica?
While painkillers like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation, they do not address all the causes of sciatic pain. Pain medication only provides temporary relief, and prolonged use may lead to other issues, such as stomach ulcers.
5) How Long Does Sciatica Pain Last?
Various factors will affect how long sciatica pain will flare up. These include the root cause, pain management methods used, stress levels, health issues, and lifestyle choices. People should monitor their pain levels and get in touch with a sciatica chiropractor in Omaha to shorten Sciatica flare-ups.
6) Will Exercise Help Sciatica?
While heavy exercise could worsen pain during a sciatica flare-up, staying active could actually provide more long-term benefits by strengthening the core to provide spine support and reduce pressure on the nerve. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity to avoid underlying factors that may contribute to sciatica pain. Ask a sciatica chiropractor, a physical therapist, or a physician about the best exercises for sciatica.
7) Should People Use a Hot or Cold Compress for Sciatica?
Both hot and cold compresses are essential for managing pain and promoting natural healing. Cold compresses are ideal for reducing inflammation. Hot compresses promote blood flow, which speeds up recovery. It is recommended that sciatica sufferers use a cold compress to deal with initial swelling or pain. After the pain flare-up, heat therapy can be employed to help promote tissue healing.
8) What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica sufferers should avoid sleeping on their stomachs as it can twist the spine and exacerbate the pain. It is recommended that people try sleeping on their back with a pillow placed behind the knees or in a side sleep position with a pillow between the knees.
9) Could Sciatica Be Caused by a Trauma?
Neck and head injuries can result in sciatica pain. If the topmost neck bones are misaligned, the rest of the spine may compensate and eventually result in structural changes that bring about sciatica. If someone experiences whiplash or another type of trauma to the head or neck, it is a good idea to work with an upper cervical chiropractor in Omaha to deal with any misalignments.
10) Are There Natural Treatments for Sciatica?
If the sciatica is a result of neck bone misalignment, upper cervical chiropractic care could provide lasting relief. This natural treatment method involves correcting the misalignment through gentle adjustments.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain
Upper cervical practitioners focus on the top two bones of the neck (the atlas and the axis). This specific area is incredibly susceptible to injury and misalignment, which could lead to decreases in neurological function, cerebral spinal fluid flow, and lymphatic drainage. Even if the pain is felt in the lower back, it could be a result of a misalignment of these top two bones.
The upper cervical approach refrains from any twisting, forceful jerking, or pulling on the neck. It utilizes a very specific and controlled technique that allows the head, neck, and spine to return to their proper position, which restores balance and optimal neurological function free of any harmful interference. Health conditions that have responded well to upper cervical chiropractic care include:
- Asthma
- Carpal tunnel
- Concussions
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- Ear infections
- Fibromyalgia
- High blood pressure
- Inner ear disorders
- Low back pain
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neck pain
- Seizure disorders
- Temporomandibular joints
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Whiplash
Find an Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Omaha
Chiropractic care can be the long-term solution that eliminates the underlying factors that lead to sciatic nerve pain and additional symptoms. An upper cervical specialist serving Ralston, Omaha, and the surrounding areas will focus specifically on upper cervical corrections that could fix underlying conditions while easing or completely reducing sciatica symptoms.
