Sciatica Treatment in Singapore

If you have radiating pain down your leg and wonder if chiropractic can help with sciatica, read on.

Sciatica Pain

If you’re experiencing pain radiating down your leg, you may be wondering if it’s sciatica.

Sciatica typically involves pain that travels from the lower back down the leg and is often associated with spinal conditions like spinal stenosis.

While exercise can help reduce the severity of sciatica, it may not address the underlying cause.

Pregnant women, individuals who lift heavy objects, and those with sedentary lifestyles are often more susceptible to sciatica.

SOLUTION FOR SCIATICA PAIN

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve, extending from the spinal cord to each leg, is the body’s longest nerve. Sciatica refers to the sensation of pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the nerve, affecting areas such as the hips, buttocks, and legs.

Sciatica is a symptom, not a standalone condition, resulting from pressure on the nerve, typically caused by conditions like herniated lumbar discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, among others. Pregnancy is also a common cause of sciatica.

COULD I BE AFFECTED BY SCIATICA?

What are some symptoms of having sciatica?

You may encounter the following symptoms of sciatica:

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Lower back pain extending to the back of leg

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Weakness in the leg

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Numbness and tingling in the leg

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Shooting and sharp pain during walking

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Increased pain when coughing or sneezing

Typically, only one side of your body is affected. If you experience shooting pain on both sides, it could be a case of bilateral sciatica.

Bilateral sciatica is exceedingly rare and may result from degenerative changes in the vertebrae and discs at multiple spine levels or serious conditions such as cauda equina syndrome.

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DEALING WITH DIABETES

Sciatica or diabetic neuropathy?

Distinguishing between sciatica and diabetic neuropathy can be challenging due to their similar symptoms. Diabetic neuropathy, common among individuals with diabetes, causes pain, numbness, and tingling, usually starting in the feet.

On the other hand, sciatica originates in the lower back and often causes more pronounced pain in the morning due to nerve pressure during sleep.

Regardless of the pain’s origin, seeking evaluation is advisable, as compressed nerves along the spinal column could contribute to these discomforts. Chiropractic care offers relief by safely adjusting the spine, alleviating pain and discomfort.

TYPES OF PAIN

Do I have sciatica or lower back pain?

During a sciatica flare-up, the pain generally radiates from your lower back down your leg. The pain can be intense, especially during walking.

You might find sitting for extended periods challenging and experience pain when twisting, coughing, or sneezing.

In instances of low back pain, the discomfort typically does not extend below the pelvis.

LFCN VS SCIATICA

What sets apart meralgia paresthetica from sciatica?

Meralgia paresthetica results from pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). They both cause similar symptoms but have different root causes.

Meralgia paresthetica leads to thigh discomfort due to pressure on a nerve, while sciatica originates from the lower back and hips, extending down the leg. Prompt pain management is vital to prevent further nerve and muscle damage.

Visit our chiropractors for a thorough check-up and personalized care plan.

EXPERIENCING INTENSE PAIN

How can I determine if I am in the advanced stages of sciatica?

Sciatica can manifest as either acute or chronic, unlike diseases such as cancer, which have distinct stages.

Nevertheless, if you are enduring sharp or searing pain down your leg, facing difficulty flexing your foot (e.g., walking on your heels), or find it nearly impossible to walk without tears, it is crucial to seek immediate evaluation.

Delaying action may lead to significant damage, potentially necessitating more severe interventions in the future. This underscores the importance of addressing such conditions early on.

SCIATICA RISK FACTORS

Who is vulnerable to sciatica?

The primary cause of sciatica often stems from a herniated or slipped disk exerting pressure on the nerve root. This can result from maintaining an active or physically demanding lifestyle, carrying excess weight, or the general wear and tear of daily activities.

Here are some prevalent risk factors associated with sciatica:

Sciatica in individuals engaged in heavy lifting

Professions requiring consistent heavy lifting elevate the likelihood of developing back injuries. Apart from occupations involving heavy lifting, any physically demanding job or an active lifestyle can increase vulnerability to sciatica.

Sciatica due to sedentary lifestyles

Maintaining a sedentary posture can lead to joint dysfunction, contributing to spinal misalignment—especially when sustained over extended periods.

Sciatica linked to smoking

Research indicates that individuals who have been smoking for over 15 years face a higher risk of developing sciatica. This is primarily attributed to smoking-induced deterioration of spinal discs over time.

Sciatica during pregnancy

Contrary to popular belief that the increased weight during pregnancy is the main contributor to sciatic nerve pressure, the primary cause for many pregnant women experiencing sciatica lies in ligament loosening due to hormonal changes. This instability can lead to spinal misalignment and disc slippage.

Pregnant Lady suffering for sciatica back pain

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CAUSES & SOLUTIONS

Sciatica in pregnant women

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched due to spine compression, resulting in inflammation, numbness, and pain. Common causes include herniated discs or bone spurs.

Pregnancy can exacerbate sciatica due to hormonal changes and the expanding uterus, leading to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. Lower back pain and sciatic issues are common during pregnancy, with symptoms often peaking in the third trimester.

Chiropractic care offers safe and effective relief for pregnant women experiencing sciatic discomfort.

Is chiropractic care safe for pregnant women?

Yes, it is. Regular chiropractic adjustments aim to realign the pelvis, creating more space for the growing baby and providing relief from sciatic and pelvic pain.

Discover additional insights into chiropractic care during pregnancy here.

MANAGING SCIATICA PAIN

How can sciatica be permanently alleviated?

While self-care treatments for sciatica found online can provide relief for some by targeting tension in the Iliopsoas or Piriformis muscles and aligning the pelvis, they may not address the specific areas needed for an individual’s unique condition.

Additionally, severe cases may require more substantial intervention.

Our experienced chiropractors can accurately diagnose the root cause of sciatica pain and identify areas needing pressure release.

Through personalized adjustments and exercises, tailored to individual needs, effective pain relief can be achieved.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

What are options for managing sciatica pain?

Medication for sciatica

Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and narcotics may be recommended to help manage pain.

Physical therapy for sciatica

After acute pain improves, a physical therapist can aid in rehabilitation to prevent worsening of sciatica. However, the ability to proceed with stretches and exercises may be challenging if sciatica pain is severe.

Surgery for sciatica

Reserved for extreme cases where nerve pressure causes significant pain and dysfunction, such as loss of bowel and bladder control. Surgeons may remove a portion of the herniated disc causing pressure on the pinched nerve.

Chiropractic care for sciatica

A non-invasive, drug-free approach focusing on spinal misalignments through a series of adjustments over time. While it requires patience, this method can offer effective, long-term pain relief.

SCIATICA TREATMENT

How long does sciatica pain take to go away?

Mild cases of sciatica may take 4 to 6 weeks to improve. Home treatments, such as regular exercise and the use of heat packs, can help alleviate pain. However, if pain, numbness, or tingling persist beyond this timeframe, seeking professional assistance and initiating a care plan is advisable.

Our experienced chiropractors can guide you in identifying the root cause of sciatica pain, determining areas requiring pressure release. Through tailored adjustments and recommended exercises, effective pain relief can be achieved.

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Sciatica Graphic Diagram | Singapore Chiropractic

THE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH

In what ways does chiropractic care aid in sciatica?

Sciatica often occurs when nerves such as L4, L5, or S1 are affected. This can happen due to a herniated disc (a.k.a, “slipped disc”) which directly presses on the nerve, or because of tissue degeneration in the lower spine.

Other causes include spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) or spondylolisthesis (a stress fracture causing one vertebra to slip forward).

Chiropractic adjustments target spinal misalignments that aggravate the sciatic nerve, bringing relief and restoring normal movement.

At NoFrills Chiropractic, our chiropractors excel in diagnosing the underlying causes of sciatica and providing effective pain management strategies.

Should I consult a doctor or chiropractor for sciatica?

Since there are no medicinal cures for sciatica, doctors often prescribe pain management medications to facilitate stretching and exercise for gradual improvement. Chiropractic care takes a diagnostic approach, utilizing tests to identify the severity of nerve pinching.

Through chiropractic adjustments, effective pain management is achieved without relying on medication. This approach encourages the body to realign itself for optimal function.

Female-Chiro-adjusting-patient-posture-NF-Chiropractic

RELIEF WITHOUT SURGERY

Can sciatica be managed without surgery?

While sciatica can be intimidating, surgery is often unnecessary, especially with early intervention. If persistent pain lasts more than a few days without improvement from home treatments or stretches, seeking a check-up is vital to prevent further issues.

At NoFrills Chiropractic, our chiropractors diagnose sciatica and provide personalized interventions.

Overcoming sciatica is achievable with the right care plan and time. Visit one of our four clinics for a spinal check-up to start your healing journey.

Head on over to one of clinic for a spinal check-up to start your your healing journey.

Note: The information provided is not a substitute for a diagnosis or medical care. Symptoms and treatments vary from person to person, and consultation with a chiropractor is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.