My dad lived with lower back pain for years and the doctor recommended surgery. He had the surgery and still was not completely pain free. When I started having issues, I was afraid that this was going to be my future as well. This worried me and each time I had a sciatic pain episode, I was sure that it was going to be the one that I could not get over.
Months passed with me having pain, numbness and tingling every few months or so, until I decided that I was going to try something different than just medications to treat the symptoms.
Research Helped Me Decide
I did some research online and found dozens of videos and articles discussing the effect that chiropractic adjustments could have on sciatic pain. While I was nervous about going to a chiropractor, I wanted to ensure that I did not end up like my dad, so I made an appointment.
All of the information that my chiropractor gave me regarding the cause of sciatica pleasantly surprised me. He explained every detail to me, including how he planned to treat me. I felt very knowledgeable and comfortable after I talked to him.
Benefits of Regular Adjustments
After a few weeks of regular adjustments, I could really tell a difference. I was not having twinges of pain anymore and I had not had an episode. I also just felt better all over and this is what made me realize that I may have found the right answer to my problem. Regular adjustments have so much more to offer than relief of sciatic pain, including:
- Increased Energy
- Less Mood Swings
- Less Body Pain All Over
- Better Health
Sciatic Pain Exercises
In addition to my adjustments, the chiropractor suggested exercises that I could do at home to help to strengthen and stretch out the areas where the sciatic nerve is located to relieve lower back pain. One exercise that Dr. Tarveen Ahluwalia recommends is the gluteal stretch.
To do this, she says to Lie on the floor with knees up crossing one leg over top of the other, then place your foot over the opposite knee. With your hands, reach through and pull the leg into your chest. You will feel the stretch on the opposite side. Do this on both sides, holding the stretch for thirty to sixty seconds each time. This will stretch out the gluteal muscles to help relieve the pain that travels through this area.
It is normal for people to wait quite a while before they get help with their sciatica. They think that it will get better, but continue to have episodes of pain and numbness. Waiting can cause long-term damage. I was lucky not to have any long term damage, but my chiropractor explained that it can lead to a weakened bladder. It can also damage the nerves and even cause the calf muscle to deteriorate if you leave the nerve entrapped for a long period of time.
Chiropractic Care Can Change Your Life
My life was changed by going to the chiropractor. He gave me back my life by releasing the nerve and allowing it to work the way it was designed to. He was able to find the entrapped nerve area and release it by manipulating the body in different ways. The numbness, tingling, and pain was relieved and I was able to walk around without any pain at all.
It only took a few weeks to get me back to normal for the first time in many years. If you have been living with sciatic pain, you may feel as if it will never end. The good news is that with the proper chiropractic care, you can get relief without having to take prescription medication or having surgery. I was relieved that I got help and just wish that my dad had gotten help all those years ago, so that he does not have to live with pain.
It is amazing what a difference that my chiropractor made in my mobility and in my pain level. No more do I have to worry about surgery for my sciatica. Regular adjustments can give me the pain free life that I deserve.
About the author: Melissa Cameron is a freelance writer who loves natural health solutions. She spends quality time online and loves to research health alternatives that can really help other people. She is currently writing several articles on back pain with the assistance of a professional at www.ottochiropractic.net.
Photo credit: doctorwonder