Chiropractic care has been shown to help those that suffer from sciatica. However, many people still don't know what it is or how chiropractors can help them with this pain. Read on and learn more about this often misunderstood condition and how you can find relief through chiropractic care.

Beard Family Chiropractic focuses on providing excellent chiropractic care to every patient. Through a holistic approach, we guarantee to relieve your sciatic pain and suffering. 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of back pain that can affect one or both legs. It usually manifests as radiating nerve pain along the sciatic pathway that spreads from your lower spine through each side of your hips and buttocks to their respective leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side at a time. However, it may also be bilateral if pressure on the spinal cord has caused damage above and below. 

The pain from the nerve damage is often described as a jolt or electric shock, and it can be more intense when coughing or sneezing. Sometimes pain on one side of your body may feel different than the other. Occasionally, with numbness in some places while having aches all over others.

Sciatica is essentially a pinched nerve that can cause intense pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in your leg. It often occurs when the spine or bones grow into it, creating pressure on the major nerve bundle. Sciatica may also be caused by an injury due to trauma or as a complication of another condition such as diabetes

Chiropractic Treatment  Options for Sciatica

Sometimes, a visit to the chiropractor can be more than just an adjustment. Patients often come for relief from injuries caused by physical trauma or sports accidents like herniated discs and sciatica. The treatment of these conditions varies depending on the etiology and present symptoms. All patients receive standard physical exams before individualized treatments commence.

Our chiropractors address sciatica through the following interventions:

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr. Beard says that exercises on the back and abdominal muscles can be helpful as long there isn’t significant pain. This is usually contrasting with other doctor's recommendations - to lie in bed for 4-6 weeks without any movement whatsoever.

ICE/COLD THERAPY

Cold therapy can provide immediate relief from pain and reduces the need for medication. Heat is best used after cold treatment to promote healing since it decreases inflammation in tissues with its anti-inflammatory properties.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators)

The TENS unit sends gentle, electrical shocks through the skin to stimulate nerves. The electrical shocks do not produce pain as one might assume initially. Instead, many describe these pleasant sensations as a massage-like feeling or light tingling sensation similar to an acupuncture treatment they have received before. There are two ways that TENS works. First, by blocking pain signals from traveling up your nerve system and second stimulating endorphins, which act as natural opiates in the body’s response resulting in a lessening of discomfort for patients experiencing chronic back pain symptoms caused by arthritis or other injuries

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT

Chiropractors are experts at adjustments, which is the main focus of chiropractic care. It helps to free restricted movement in your spine, restoring misaligned vertebrae into their proper place in the spinal column. Adjustment does not only reduce nerve irritation responsible for inflammation or muscle spasm but sciatic pain as well. Adjustments should never be painful. A chiropractic adjustment is safe and effective.

BEARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

At Beard Family Chiropractic, we are one of the leading Conway Arkansas chiropractors who support families in their wellness journey. Each member of our team lives and breathes 5 Essentials each day while also having a significant role in helping you to be healthy again.

Dr. Merissa was inspired by her horse to become a chiropractor. Her horse was treated by an equine chiropractor before. She first became intrigued with how equine chiropractors treated injured horses. From there, she wanted more information on their techniques that could help other patients as well.

Dr. Merissa Beard and Dr. Brian Beard take pride in guiding the families of Conway, Arkansas, to lead healthy and pain-free lives. 

Get a new lease on life today and regain the physical independence you've been missing for years. We at Beard Family Chiropractic have experience with injuries of all types. Do not hesitate to consult with us!