Easing the extreme sciatica pain usually does not require extreme medical intervention. Relieving the nerve pain with Chiropractic Adjustments, gentle home exercise, ice and heat therapy, and proper posture may be all you need to recover quickly.

Understand that the most important thing you can do for your back and leg pain is to take it seriously. Don’t assume that it will just go away by itself — always have it checked out by your Chiropractor when it first shows up.

Not sure if you have Sciatica?

In simple terms, Sciatica is when the Sciatic Nerve, which originates in the lower back, is “pinched” or irritated by a disc bulge or by a Spinal Subluxation.

The tell-tale signs of an attack are very distinctive. Not only do you have lower back pain where the Sciatic Nerve is “pinched” but you can have pain, numbness and tingling along the entire length of the Sciatic Nerve as it goes down your leg. Sometimes you only feel the pain at some segments of the Sciatic Nerve such as in your buttocks, thigh, calf or foot.

Does your Sciatica warrant a visit to the doctor?

If you suffer from Sciatica our Chiropractors at Erin Mills Optimum Health can help offer you some specific solutions for better back health.

It’s important to first determine and address the underlying causes of your back pain and Sciatica. Your Chiropractor at Erin Mills Optimal Health will:

• get a history of your condition
• do a complete Chiropractic Exam
• will take digital x-rays on site if necessary
• will conduct a Surface EMG(electromyograph) if required

Once the history and Exam findings are reviewed your Chiropractor will then provide you with a personal treatment plan.

The Chiropractic approach to treating Sciatica

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to relieve the pressure on the Sciatic Nerve.

2. Home exercises prescribed by your Chiropractor

Exercises help both increase flexibility and strength. This is important for both treatment and for prevention of recurring episodes in the future.

3. Yoga type stretches and poses:

Incorporating gentle yoga into your daily routine is an excellent way to improve your spinal flexibility and range of motion while also building your core strength.. As a bonus, most Yoga stretches are simple enough to be done while watching the news or a movie. Here are some of our favorite yoga stretches that can help.

• Reclined Pigeon Position
• Supine Position
  
• Seated Forward Bend
• Cat-Cow Stretches
• Beginner’s Cobra Pose

4. Grab an ice pack and heating pad

Heat and ice therapy can provide relief of sciatic pain. Ice helps to reduce inflammation, while heat encourages the blood to flow which speeds up healing. It is recommended to apply an ice pack to the painful area for 15 minutes every hour and then apply heat for 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Remember to always use something like a thin towel as a barrier to protect your skin, and never sleep while using heat or ice therapy.

5. Refresh your posture

Whether you are working at your desk, driving in the car or relaxing in front of the TV it is important to maintain good posture. That means sitting more upright and having a cushion or lumbar support behind your lower back. Thinking about ‘standing tall’ helps prevent slouching when you are standing. Good posture reduces the strain along your entire spine and can both help relieve and prevent Sciatica. .

Our Mississauga chiropractors are ready to help you find out what is wrong and develop a plan specifically designed to help you get back to your naturally healthy self. We are available over the phone at 905-828-2014, or directly through our website to answer any questions or make an appointment. Take the first step towards better back health today.