Sciatica is a painful lower back condition that may radiate along the sciatic nerve. This means the pain can also flow through the buttocks and down the leg. The sciatic nerve branches down both sides and pain usually occurs on just one side or the other. What can be done to help sufferers?
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Traditional Treatment Methods
If you go to a general practitioner for help with sciatic pain, you will probably be prescribed medication or encouraged to use an over the counter pain reliever. Medications for sciatica include:
- NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen)
- Muscle relaxers
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Antidepressants (tricyclic)
Besides just prescription drugs that can have side effects and even be habit forming, there are more invasive procedures that may be recommended. For example, corticosteroid injections or even surgery. One less invasive option that may be offered is physical therapy.
A Natural, Drug-Free Sciatica Treatment Option
Poor posture and misalignments of the spine can lead to a pinched sciatic nerve. A herniated disk or bone spur may also be responsible. Correcting posture and misalignments is a vital part of pain relief. If you are ready to go after the underlying cause of sciatica rather than merely masking the pain, I would like to introduce you to upper cervical chiropractic care.
The NUCCA technique of upper cervical chiropractic focuses on the C1 and C2 vertebrae. A misalignment here can cause the entire back to shift out of alignment due to the righting reflex trying to keep the head level. One shoulder can be lower than the other, and one leg may even be shorter.
While it may seem counterintuitive to adjust the neck to help the lower back, the top bones in the neck are responsible for your posture. Once these bones are back in place, the shoulders and hips can go back to a normal position. This may relieve the pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve and clear sciatica up for good.
To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation call 916-973-0623 on click the button below.
If you are outside of the Sacramento area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.