Chiropractors around the world have been helping patients who suffer with the symptoms of sciatica for over 100 years. This is not anything new to the chiropractic profession or its patients. I have had medical doctors refer me patients for treatment who have been diagnosed with sciatica and for the 24 years I have been in practice I have helped countless patients with this condition.
Now Chiropractors In The UK Can Claim That They Can Help Patients With Sciatica
Here in the United Kingdom we chiropractors have to restrain ourselves when making advertising claims as to the conditions we can treat. There must be an acceptable amount of evidence in the literature and be approved by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). And finally, as of November 2017 they have allowed us to advertise what we have known as a profession for longer than I have been around. CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP WITH SCIATICA!
Is Sciatica Just Leg Pain?
Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the back of the pelvis, through the buttocks, and down both legs ending at the feet. Symptoms of sciatica include pain, numbness, a tingling sensation radiating from the lower back and travelling down one of the legs to the foot and toes, and weakness in the calf muscles or the muscles that move the foot and ankle. Pain can range from mild to very painful.
Chiropractors are very well trained to examine and diagnose the cause of your back and leg pain. After a thorough history and consultation, the chiropractor will perform standard orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests. Low back x-rays may be indicated to rule out spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis or other boney anomaly that could be contributing to your pain and numbness. Then a full report of your findings will be given to you so that you know what is the cause of your trouble and what procedures the chiropractor will be using to help alleviate your condition as well as any rehabilitation procedures you will need to strengthen the area and reduce the chances of reoccurrence.
Types Of Treatment For Helping With Sciatica
There are a variety of treatment options that a skilled and experienced chiropractor has at their disposal to help you with your sciatica. Based on your particular findings and diagnosis as to what is the cause of your condition the chiropractor may utilise a combination of treatment modalities aimed at helping you in the best and fastest way possible. These may include Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation, blocking techniques, low force adjustment techniques, stretches, muscle therapies, rehabilitation exercise programmed as well as many other modalities. These are of course put together specifically for your needs as an individual.
Careful monitoring of your progress is always a priority in my office as we need to be sure that you are benefiting from the treatment and not getting worse or just not responding to the original care plan. You progress is my main concern and if at any time I feel you need to be seen by another specialist I will let you know my thoughts.
As you are getting better and towards the end of treatment, you will be given advise for doing your daily activities of living whether it is for work or recreation as well as how to minimize your risk of a further episode of sciatica.
Why Hasn’t My GP Referred Me To A Chiropractor For My Sciatica?
The question, “Why hasn’t my GP referred me to a chiropractor for my sciatica?” is one I get a lot. The NHS knows that chiropractic manual therapies are helpful for sciatica, they say so on their sciatica web page. But they also mention that chiropractic is not widely available on the NHS. This is probably the main reason that your GP has not recommended chiropractic for your sciatica or other back pain issues. They don’t always feel comfortable recommending something that is not covered by the NHS as it will cost you, their patient, to take their advice to go see a chiropractor even though the majority of people would gladly pay for private treatment if only their GP would suggest chiropractic as a solution to their discomfort.
Well I am very happy to now be able to spread the word that chiropractic can help with sciatica. If you or a loved one is suffering an any way with sciatica or other pain related issues I would be happy to take a look and let them know chiropractic could be the answer they are looking for.