When it comes to treating back pain and sciatica there are a few options. You can rest and ice the area for a few days and see if the pain subsides. You can chose to visit a medical doctor, who will likely prescribe a combination of pain relievers, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory medications. The other most logical choice is a visit to your local Chiropractor. Of course being a chiropractor, my opinion is biased, but if you let me explain I think you will that it makes the most sense.
First, lets understand that when you are experiencing pain of any kind, your body is telling you that something is wrong. It is not normal to have pain. Secondly, it is important to identify the cause of the pain, not just try to mask it with prescription medication. At a Chiropractors office you will receive a thorough examination and more than likely X-Rays to help identify the cause of the back pain and/or sciatica. More than likely the cause is a inflamed spinal disc which is exerting pressure on a spinal nerve. While medications may alleviate the pain, inflammation and accompanying muscle spasm, they will not align the spinal vertebrae that is causing the swollen disc, nor will it alleviate the pressure on the spinal nerve. Therefore, these results would be temporary at best. On the other hand, a series of chiropractic adjustments over time can correct this problem. This along with a proper exercise routine,can prevent this condition from reoccurring in the future.
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing this debilitating condition, then you or they should definitely consult with a Chiropractor. Don’t expect that your family practitioner will recommend one either because that is not how they are trained in medical school. I hope that you have found this brief article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me personally at 954-693-7601.
Yours in health!
Dr. Mark F Herman, Chiropractic Physician