A sciatica chiropractor will work to alleviate the pain caused by herniated discs and other back issues that affect the nerves. Rather than relying on over-the-counter or prescription pain killers, chiropractic treatment is aimed at treating the source of the problem in order to prevent it from returning and to allow healing to occur naturally.
A chiropractor may use a technique known as spinal traction, which involves decompressing the spine using gentle stretches that are painless and help to straighten it. In addition, they may employ another technique called diversified manipulation or spinal adjustment. This consists of the chiropractor applying low-amplitude, high-velocity pressure to the spine in order to restore proper spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Chiropractors also offer a variety of other treatment options, including the use of ice and heat. They will likely recommend alternating ice and heat treatments in order to reduce inflammation and promote the flow of blood throughout the area, which can ease pain, stiffness, and tingling.
Other techniques that a sciatica chiropractor might use include trigger point dry needling and soft tissue mobilization. These methods target tight and painful bands of muscle, which tend to be more common in people with sciatica.
Finally, a sciatica chiropractor will often instruct patients on how to perform at-home exercises that will help avoid sciatic nerve aggravation and encourage healing. For example, the reclining pigeon pose can stretch the piriformis muscles and relieve pain by releasing the pressure from the sciatic nerves.