If you regularly experience lower back pain that extends to your legs or toes or you have numbness, tingling, or burning in these areas, you may have sciatica. The condition may subside on its own, but it often requires treatment from health care professionals. One option is chiropractic therapy. The experts at Walch Chiropractic Center PC in Leeds, AL, explain what you need to know about sciatica by answering some common questions about it.

4 FAQ on Sciatica & Treatment

What Is Sciatica?

The condition occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, resulting in minor to intense pain in the lower back and legs. The most common reasons for the pinched nerve are a herniated disk, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and improper alignment.

What Pain Management Techniques Are Used for Sciatica?

When experiencing sciatica-related discomfort, you can follow some pain management methods at home. First, apply ice to the area to reduce pain. The following day, switch to a hot pack to relax the lower back and increase blood flow. If the pain is not too intense, non-weight bearing exercises like swimming and stationary cycling may loosen the muscles and ligaments in the region of the pinched nerve.

Can Sciatica Be Cured? 

Sciatica can be treated and cured with the proper rehabilitation program. Serious and persistent cases of sciatica can require surgery, but for most patients, this will be a last resort. Nonsurgical options include the following: 

• Lifestyle Improvements
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Yoga  
• Epidural Steroid Injections
• Chiropractic Therapy

How Can Chiropractic Therapy Help With Sciatica?

Spinal adjustment and decompression traction can return discs to their proper alignment, which takes pressure off of the pinched nerve. Depending on the cause of sciatica, chiropractic care is often combined with one or more other treatment methods to achieve the best results.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica, make an appointment with Walch Chiropractic Center PC. The office is just a 20-minute drive from Birmingham, and Dr. Alan Walch Jr. has practiced chiropractic therapy for more than 25 years. New patients are offered a free consultation to diagnose underlying issues and determine the best treatment course. Visit their website or call (205) 699­-4433 to schedule an appointment.