Whether you have sacroiliac or SI joint issues such as sacroiliac joint syndrome, or sciatic nerve pain -- commonly known as sciatica -- a chiropractor can implement a drug-free treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms. Chiropractic treatment involves spinal adjustments designed to relieve pressure on the nerve, as well as to correct structural misalignment. Heat and ice, ultrasound therapy and electrical nerve stimulation therapy are additional common chiropractic approaches to treating lower back pain, including SI joint and sciatic nerve complaints.
SI Joint Syndrome
The SI joints are located between the two pelvic bones, on either side of the spine just below the waist. Excessive movement can lead to a sprain of the joint, which causes microscopic tears to the surrounding ligaments. This damage results in pain and inflammation, on one or both sides over the area of the joint and into the buttocks and sometimes down the back of the leg.
SI Joint Chiropractic Treatment
The early stages of treatment focus on reducing acute pain and inflammation, as well as increasing mobility. Initial adjustments may be as frequent as three sessions every 10 days with acute pain subsiding within three to six treatments. In addition to regular adjustments, you may be asked to regularly ice the area to reduce inflammation. Soft tissue therapy, massage and ultrasound may also be utilized to promote healing. Strengthening exercises and occasional chiropractic adjustments may be prescribed for long-term improvement and prevention of recurrence.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica, which actually means "leg pain," is a result of lower back problems or injuries that put pressure on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve that originates at the lower spine and runs down the back of both legs. When lower back problems, such as a bulging disc, put pressure on the nerve, the result is radiating pain in the lower back that can often be felt all the way down to the toes.
Chiropractic Sciatic Nerve Treatment
In addition to adjusting your lower back to take pressure off the sciatic nerve, your chiropractor may choose to treat you with a combination of ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS. Ultrasound provides gentle, soothing heat from sound waves administered by a small handheld wand. The heat penetrates soft tissue aiding circulation which can help reduce painful sciatic symptoms. TENS is used to block pain signals from the nerve to the brain. Ice and heat are also standard protocol for treating sciatic nerve pain.
