Exercise and Chiropractic Could be a Winning Combination for Your Sciatica

As spinal conditions go, sciatica is generally considered to be one of the more uncomplicated ailments. It presents with generally the same symptoms across patients, can be treated effectively with the right approach, and has a high success rate for alleviated symptoms when a proper treatment schedule is administered.

Just because sciatica is relatively straightforward, however, doesn’t mean there’s a one-size-fits-all solution for dealing with it. In fact, despite its uniform presentation, sciatica requires a tailored approach to treatment – one that often requires a very specific exercise regimen and corresponding chiropractic adjustment schedule.

At Ideal Spine, we believe in the power of individualized treatment, especially when it comes to chronic pain conditions. Understanding how sciatica is being instigated within the body and what specific measures can be taken to alleviate it is the key to unlocking a treatment plan that truly works to minimize pain and inflammation.

How exercise can help

Because sciatica is an inflammatory condition, wherein the sciatic nerve specifically is being affected, exercise is a first recommendation of many chiropractors. Exercise helps to improve the outlook for sciatic pain in a variety of different ways, including:

• Alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve;
• Icing after exercise reduces inflammation;
• Increases in cortisol levels produced during exercise can reduce inflammation;
• Improved range of motion, reducing stress on the spine;
• Higher activity levels lead to adrenaline and endorphins, combatting pain.

Here again, simply getting on a treadmill or picking up weights isn’t the solution. Instead, it’s important to work with a chiropractor to understand specifically how the body should be worked, to what intensity, and where focus should be placed.

For example, if the sciatic nerve is being irritated due to pelvic tilt and lumbar compression, a chiropractor may recommend a light cardio workout with corresponding strengthening exercises for the hamstrings, glutes and lower body. This strengthening and conditioning routine may serve to increase stability in the lower body, preventing pelvic tilt and helping to reinforce chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic’s benefits

Exercise alone isn’t the answer to dealing with chronic sciatic pain. Chiropractic adjustment plays a vital role in restoring the stability and integrity of the spine. When used in conjunction with exercise, these corrections have the potential to take effect sooner and stay true.

For example, a chiropractor may use a drop table to adjust pelvic tilt back to an acceptable degree. When a patient strengthens their lower body, they reinforce musculature that supports the spine, reducing the chances of reoccurring tilt as the result of adapted biomechanics. In this way, the long-term effects of both exercise and spinal manipulation work together for a better outcome.

A holistic approach to sciatic relief

Because it’s a painful condition, many immediately turn to painkillers to cope with their sciatica. This has unfortunate long-term side effects and masks the problem instead of resolving it. For truly long-term prospects for relief, a Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) adjustment schedule is recommended by Ideal Spine. Targeted adjustments with exercise regiments that reinforce them offer a winning combination for coping with sciatica and its affiliated pain.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.