CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT OF SCIATICA
Dr. Javier A. Hung is trained to assess the patient to ascertain what is the cause of sciatica.

Dr. Hung at First Alternative Chiropractic uses specific adjustive techniques to remove the interference from spinal, muscular and nerve structures. These chiropractic adjustments are effective at reducing nerve irritation and its associated pain.

Sciatica and many other health problems can be traced to the spine and respond dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through chiropractic care. The adjustment is a complex process while looking very simple. It has extraordinary variations, involving the use of specific force in a precise direction. The adjustment involves the doctor of chiropractic making changes to the function of the joints and muscles by using their hands or a specifically designed instrument. By improving function the doctor of chiropractic can assist in the relief of pain and improve general health. Adjustments help improve spinal function every chiropractic adjustment is tailored to suit the patient

Some studies have found sciatica more prevalent among sedentary persons particularly smokers and those who spend many hours behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. But as the JAMA and Lancet articles indicate, highly active persons are also vulnerable. A study showed that bed rest offered no benefits over gentle movement and actually has negative effects such as tightening of muscles and loss of strength and flexibility. Even as recently as 1997 bed rest was considered a routine part of early therapy. That changed with the publication of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine [February 11, 1999] showing that bed rest failed to provide any benefits over gentle movement in terms of resolving pain and speeding the healing process. And because bed rest has negative effects such as tighter muscles and loss of strength and flexibility most doctors today tell their patients to keep moving as much as they can while avoiding heavy lifting, bending from the waist, stooping and other activities that might stress the lower back. Sitting also stresses the lower back, and soft chairs are usually considered off limits.

Non-surgical treatments include exercise, chiropractic adjustments, massage, ice, heat, physical therapy, and pain management measures such as biofeedback and relaxation therapy. The trend is to focus on helping patients improve their tolerance to physical activity rather than merely fighting the pain. Physical activity has many benefits, both physical and emotional, while inactivity accentuates pain and causes weakening and shortening of connective tissues. However, the type of exercise may have to be adjusted to the symptoms of the patient. High impact activities such as running, for example, are sometimes considered risky. Sometimes the doctor of chiropractic may need to work in conjunction with other health care professionals to enable the patient to receive the best management for their condition. MORE... WebMD on chiropractic.


REFERENCES:
Bridget Doherty, "New Therapy for Sciatic Pain," Prevention, August, 1999. "Face Off Should Chiropractic Care Be Used To Treat Conditions Other than Low-Back or Neck
Pain?" Medical Tribune 40(5):13, 1999. Ilaria M. Merlo, Tino E. Poloni, Enrico Alfonsi,
Alberto L. Messina and Mauro Ceroni, "Sciatic Pain in a Young Sportsman," The Lancet, March 22, 1997. "Sciatica," Patient Notes, Postgraduate Medicine, July, 1997. James N. Weinstein, "A 45-Year-Old Man with Low Back Pain and a Numb Left Foot," JAMA, August 26, 1998.


First Alternative Chiropractic®

 
  December 3, 2006