The Mystery of Sciatica :Welcome to our blog post on sciatica and back pain. For many people, back pain can be a mysterious and debilitating condition that seems to come out of nowhere. As experienced chiropractors, we understand that there is usually a root cause for this pain that can be diagnosed and treated effectively using manual therapy, chiropractic adjustments and other effective physical therapy techniques. In this post, we will explore the complex condition of sciatica, and how chiropractors use their expertise to diagnose and treat this painful debilitating condition -the Mystery of Sciatica.
What are common causes of Back Pain?
Some of the most common causes of back pain include poor posture, muscle strains or sprains, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, issues with the sacroiliac joint, stress fractures, hip flexor imbalances, pelvic floor imbalances and compression of the nerves. Additionally, back pain may be caused by lifestyle factors such as being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and poor ergonomics at the work office or work from home setup.
Another common trend in Chiropractic we often find, comes from clients who developed some type of knee pain per example. After leaving the injury untreated for a while the body becomes imbalanced and compensations develop that lead to back pain and sciatica over time.
To avoid this knock-on effect Chiropractors, work on prevention and remedial treatment by aligning the entire kinetic chain instead of just working on the affected area in isolation.
What are the basics of Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of conservative treatment and a tried, tested and proven holistic healthcare system that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders such as chronic pain in the lower back.
Chiropractors believe that many health problems are caused by misalignments in the spine and that these misalignments can be corrected through manual adjustments of the spine.
An experienced Chiropractor can adjust your spine and joints, using manual therapy in the form of soft tissue manipulation and chiropractic adjustments, for immediate pain relief and the prevention and correction of chronic pain in the lower back, neck, pelvic structure, shoulders, and other joints -the Mystery of Sciatica.
Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive form of physical therapy and conservative healthcare system that can be used to help with a wide range of conditions such as, mild and chronic pain, pelvic floor imbalances and msk pain such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica -The Mystery of Sciatica.
Chiropractors use a combination of manual therapy techniques, single vertebra chiropractic adjustments using mechanical tools, joint specific adjustments such as knee, wrist and shoulders, soft tissue therapy (such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy), spinal traction, joint mobilisation, corrective stretches and physical excercises, dry needling, providing ergonomic advice as well as providing useful health guidelines -the Mystery of Sciatica.
All clinical information, imaging, x-rays (if clinically justified), scan results, medical and spinal history as well as your health history is recorded as an individual case report and kept safely on record and strictly confidential.
Can Chiropractors provide back pain relief?
Yes, chiropractors can provide back pain relief through a variety of treatments. Chiropractic care focuses on identifying the root cause of back pain and then treating it with a variety of non-invasive techniques, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue release, pelvic floor strengthening and rehabilitation exercises.
Chiropractors also educate patients on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future back pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can be an effective form of physical therapy for back pain, sciatic and other neuromusculoskeletal issues and that it’s a safe and natural alternative to surgery and pain medication.
Different types of diagnostic tests Chiropractors perform
Chiropractors use a range of diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of back pain. These tests include X-rays (if clinically justified), imaging scans, postural measurements, weight distribution measurements, medical and spinal history and nerve function and muscle function scans.
They may also perform physical exams to assess range of motion, muscle strength, and posture. Additionally, chiropractors may use techniques such as palpation to feel for abnormalities in the spine and surrounding tissues. By using these diagnostic tools, chiropractors can develop an accurate diagnosis and develop a tailored treatment plan -The Mystery of Sciatica.
Chiropractic Diagnosis Explained
Chiropractic root cause diagnosis is a comprehensive process that involves assessing the entire neuromusculoskeletal system to determine the underlying cause of back pain. Chiropractors will take a detailed medical and spinal history and perform a physical exam, which may include observing posture, assessing range of motion, and feeling for abnormalities in the spine and surrounding tissues known as static and dynamic palpation.
Additionally, they may use diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to further assess the spine and surrounding tissues. Once a diagnosis is made, chiropractors will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
Healing Hands Chiropractic’s Back Pain Diagnosis Process
At Healing Hands Chiropractic, our back pain and sciatica diagnosis process is designed to identify the underlying cause of your pain so that we can develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs. We begin with a comprehensive 45-minute consultation, where we take a detailed medical history and perform a 10-step physical exam to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and posture.
From there, we may use diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays (if clinically justified), EMG muscle function scans, nerve function scans and heart rate variability measurements, to assess overall performance and stress levels.
Once we have identified the root cause of your pain, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments, corrective exercises, and lifestyle modifications. Here’s a breakdown of our 10-step chiropractic assessments.
1. Spinal and Medical History
We start with a thorough review of your medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, and any other conditions. This helps us understand your current state of health and identify any potential underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. We also discuss your family medical history to understand any genetic predispositions.
2. Postural Analysis
Our initial consultation includes a postural analysis to evaluate the alignment of your spine and overall posture. This helps us identify any misalignments or imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. We use specialized equipment to measure your posture and alignment, including any discrepancies in the height of your shoulders or hips -The Mystery of Sciatica.
3. Weight Distribution Check
In addition to postural analysis, we also check your weight distribution to understand how your body is compensating for any imbalances. This helps us identify areas of extra pressure on joints and ligaments, as well as any nerve compression. We use a special set of scales (one for each side) to measure your weight distribution and identify any imbalances.
4. Structural X-rays (If clinically required)
If clinically required, we may take structural X-rays to gain a deeper understanding of the condition of your vertebrae and the shape of your spine. This allows us to tailor our chiropractic care to your specific needs and ensure that treatment is safe and effective.
5. Detailed Posture Pictures
We take high-resolution pictures of your posture from the front and side using specialized software to analyze the images and create a detailed report showing any deviations from the expected standard range. This helps us establish the baseline posture you present with as well as tracking your progress throughout the healing plan -The Mystery of Sciatica.
6. Nerve Function Scans
We use a thermal neurological scanner to measure nerve function and see if the spinal nerves are over-working or under-performing in certain areas. This allows us to create a more accurate treatment plan that addresses any nerve-related imbalances.
7. EMG Muscle Function Scans
An electromyography (EMG) scan is performed to measure the activity of your skeletal muscles. This helps us objectively track if muscles are over-exerting or under-performing based on the electrical currents emitted by the muscles.
8. Heart Rate Variability (Stress Levels) Scan
We measure your heart rate variability using specialized scanning equipment to establish an objective baseline reading of your stress levels. This allows us to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
9. Blood Pressure and Oxygen Levels
We measure your blood pressure to determine if you have hypertension, and your oxygen levels to understand how well your heart is working. Adequate oxygen levels in the blood are vital for overall health, particularly for the brain as it controls the central nervous system.
10. Full Body Muscle and Joint Palpation
We conduct a complete top-to-bottom muscle and joint palpation check to evaluate muscle tone, joint mobility, and locations where nerve impingement may be occurring. This helps us identify any muscular-skeletal or neurological dysfunction and create an effective treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Conclusion for Chiropractic Back Pain Diagnosis
In conclusion, a thorough chiropractic back pain diagnosis can help identify the root cause of your pain and discomfort, leading to more effective treatment and improved overall health. We conduct one of the most thorough Chiropractic assessments available in the UK today.
By utilizing a range of diagnostic tools and techniques, chiropractors at Healing Hands Chiropractic are able to establish a clear root cause diagnosis that enables them to create a customized treatment plan that ensures safe and effective care that addresses your specific needs and delivers measurable results.
Back Pain and Sciatica Q&A based on FAQs
Q: How many treatments for sciatica with a chiropractor are typically needed?
A: The number of treatments required to alleviate sciatica symptoms varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition. While some patients may experience relief after just a few sessions, others may require more extensive treatment plans. A chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals -The Mystery of Sciatica.
Q: How long for a chiropractor to fix sciatica?
A: The length of time required to alleviate sciatica symptoms with chiropractic care varies depending on the individual patient and the severity of the condition. While some patients may experience relief after just a few sessions, others may require more extensive treatment plans lasting several weeks or months. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized healing plan based on the root cause diagnosis.
Q: Is it possible to do a sciatica adjustment at home?
A: While there are some stretches and exercises that can help alleviate sciatica pain at home, it is not recommended to attempt a spinal adjustment on your own. Only a licensed and experienced chiropractor should perform spinal adjustments for sciatica, as improper techniques or self-manipulation can lead to further injury or complications.
Q: Can chiropractic adjustment for sciatica help?
A: Yes, chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for sciatica. By realigning the spine and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific requirements.
Q: Is it normal to experience sciatica pain after chiropractic adjustments?
A: It is not uncommon to experience some soreness or discomfort after a chiropractic adjustment, but this should typically subside within a day or two. If you experience ongoing or severe pain after a chiropractic adjustment, it is important to contact your chiropractor to discuss any concerns you may have.
Q: Can a chiropractor make sciatica worse?
A: When performed by a licensed and experienced chiropractor, spinal adjustments for sciatica are generally safe and effective. However, as with any form of healthcare, there may be a risk of complications. It is therefore important to choose a qualified chiropractor and to discuss any concerns you may have about the risks and benefits of treatment.
Q: Should I go to a doctor or chiropractor for sciatica?
A: Both medical doctors and chiropractors can provide treatment for sciatica, and the best course of action depends on the individual patient and the severity of the condition. Many patients find that chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for sciatica, and that it can provide relief without the use of medication or surgery. However, if your symptoms are severe or you have underlying health conditions, it may be advisable to consult with your GP first -The Mystery of Sciatica.
Q: Can a chiropractor help with sciatica nerve pain?
A: Yes, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for sciatica nerve pain. By realigning the spine and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses based on your specific needs and goals.
Do you or a loved one want your Back Pain or Sciatica Diagnosed?
If you or a loved one are experiencing back pain or sciatica, seeking a chiropractic diagnosis can provide valuable insight into the underlying causes of your pain and discomfort -The Mystery of Sciatica.
At Healing Hands Chiropractic, we offer a 10-step very thorough chiropractic assessment to help identify and address the root cause of your back pain safely and effectively. Contact us today by calling our 24/7 helpline on tel: 020 8948 9102 to schedule an appointment and start your healing journey towards a better quality of life.