Managing Sciatica: Effective Conservative Strategies for Relief

Sciatica can be a challenging condition, causing pain, discomfort, and weakness that can radiate down the back of the leg and into the foot. Although in rare cases more advanced procedures may be required to treat sciatica, the majority of sciatica cases can be managed with conservative management. At the Athletes’ Village Chiropractic and Sports Injury in Toronto, our chiropractors are experienced in assessing and treating sciatica.  Here are some effective strategies for finding relief and getting back to your active lifestyle.

Although the term “sciatica” is heavily used by practitioners and patients alike, it does not actually tell you what is wrong. In fact, the term “sciatica” only tells you that your symptoms involve the sciatic nerve. To effectively manage sciatica, it's important to identify the underlying cause. Common culprits include herniated or bulging intervertebral discs, spinal stenosis, muscle imbalances, or peripheral nerve entrapments. The first step in providing effective conservative management is determining the root cause with a physical exam.  A thorough physical exam can provide accurate insight to what is causing your pain and how to appropriately manage it.

Chiropractic treatment of sciatica may consist of several different therapies, all of which are offered at The Athletes Village in Toronto.

1. Spinal Manipulations

2. Active Release Technique

3. Activity modifications

4. Core strengthening

5. Ergonomic improvement

6. Prescribed Stretching

Spinal Manipulations

Chiropractic adjustments are highly effective in relieving sciatica symptoms. Our skill chiropractors use spinal manipulation techniques to restore spinal mobility and decrease the intensity of you pain. Through targeted adjustments, they can help alleviate pain and promote the body's natural healing process.

Active Release Technique (ART)

… is a specialized manual therapy technique used for sciatica. It involves a thorough assessment to identify soft tissue restrictions contributing to sciatic nerve compression. The practitioner applies targeted manual techniques, combining pressure and movement, to break up adhesions and release scar tissue. ART is personalized to each individual and can be used alongside other therapies for comprehensive treatment. Follow-up care and maintenance sessions may be recommended to support ongoing tissue health and prevent future issues.

Stay Active, but Modify Activities:

While it may seem counterintuitive to those who are suffering from sciatica, staying active is crucial for managing the pain. Engaging in low-impact exercises that do not trigger your symptoms is one of the best things you can do to help your condition. You want to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms, but find movements that are pain free. During your initial assessment one of the most important things we look for are relieving positions and exercises. These will be prescribed as take-home exercises to keep you on your feet while you work through the recovery of sciatica.

Core Strengthening:

A strong core provides stability to the spine and can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Specific core strengthening exercises can help build resilience and create stability. In some cases, core instability and imbalances can contribute to sciatica. Strengthening these muscles helps maintain proper posture and reduces the risk of future sciatic episodes.

Ergonomic Modifications:

In many cases, certain positions such as sitting and flexing forward may exacerbate your symptoms. Similar to activity modification, after we determine what positions trigger your symptoms, we can offer proper advice to limit those triggers. Assessing your ergonomic setup to help mitigate positions that trigger your symptoms is essential to recovery. As chiropractors, we will offer advice such as the use of a lumbar support cushion and taking frequent breaks to avoid prolonged sitting to help limit flare-ups.

Stretching

In some cases, stretching can be beneficial BUT we strongly encourage you to only perform stretches that are prescribed based on your specific case. People suffering from sciatica often have a desire to stretch their hamstrings or try and touch their toes because it offers instant albeit temporary relief. The problem with this stretch is that in many cases hamstring stretches may actually traction the sciatic nerve. This will actually increase the irritation on the nerve and may result in more pain later in the day.

Some stretches can be valuable, but it is important to decide which stretches to use based on your exam.

By embracing these conservative strategies and seeking professional chiropractic care, you can effectively manage sciatica and find relief from its debilitating symptoms. Remember, every individual is unique, and it's important to consult with a medical professional for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. With patience and dedication, you can overcome sciatica and regain your active lifestyle.

If you live Downtown Toronto and are suffering from Sciatica you can schedule an initial assessment below: