If you suffer from sciatic pain and are looking for solutions, you’ll often find that chiropractic care tops the list. Unlike surgery and medication, chiropractic treatments effectively help with sciatic symptoms without uncomfortable side effects. To truly treat your pain and not just mask the symptoms, you have to have patience. Healing, repair, and relief don’t just happen overnight. Regular chiropractic care can help treat you, but what can you do when you need immediate relief?
In addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, there are some additional steps you can take that might assist in immediate pain relief. Keep in mind that each individual is different, so what works for one patient might not work for another. Sciatic pain is not easy to deal with, and if you remain open minded, the therapies that can provide relief might surprise you!
Soak In Epsom Salt
People have been using the restorative properties of epsom salt baths for years. Epsom salt soaks relax the nervous system and assist the body in removing toxins. Warm water increases circulation while reducing inflammation, which is a perfect combination to encourage relaxation that many of our patients find beneficial for relieving sciatic pain.
Stretching and Yoga
As chiropractors, we are big believers in stretching. If you are experiencing sciatic pain, we suggest staying away from intense exercise. On the other hand, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity can be equally as damaging. Stretching and yoga lengthen the spine and improve posture while strengthening and reducing stiffness. Some even experience reduced inflammation! Studies have shown that yoga and stretching are safe and effective for those suffering from sciatica.
Heat and Cold Therapies
Heat and cold therapies can provide relief for many types of pain, including sciatica, when used correctly. How do you determine which form of therapy you need? Start by paying attention to what kind of you are experiencing. Aches and pains? Try heat, which can loosen tight muscles, increase circulation, and dull pain. Cold therapy restricts the blood flow, therefore reducing swelling, inflammation, and spasms. Some patients find that alternating between both hot and cold gives them the relief they are seeking.
Acupuncture
Some people hear the word “acupuncture” and head for the hills. But over the last few years, there has been an increased interest in acupuncture, which is a form of therapy in which needles are used to stimulate the healing process. A study was conducted on acupuncture and sciatica and it found that the test group exposed to warming acupuncture found relief for their sciatic symptoms. They also reported an increased level for pain tolerance. Two other test groups were exposed to medication and showed significantly lower levels of improvement.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
What you put into your body has an effect not just on your belly, but on your whole body. When the sciatic nerve is inflamed, there are a whole number of issues the present themselves, the main one being pain. One way to combat inflammation is through your diet. Avoid trans fats, refined sugars, and oxidized cholesterol. Instead, fill your plate with whole, organic anti-inflammatory foods, like fatty fish, fermented vegetables, leafy greens, and dark berries.
In combination with regular chiropractic adjustments, these tips will have you on the right track to sciatic pain relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more!
