Is an Atlanta Chiropractor Effective With Herniated Discs and Sciatica?

If you are living with the pain of a herniated disc or sciatica, you may be wondering what an Atlanta chiropractor can do to help. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are certain treatments that may be able to provide relief.

What Are Herniated Discs and Sciatica?

Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer. This can put pressure on the nerves nearby, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.

Sciatica is a type of pain that radiates from the lower back down the legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc or other spinal issues.

Is a Chiropractor Effective in Helping With Herniated Discs and Sciatica?

There is no guaranteed cure for herniated discs or sciatica, but some people find relief with chiropractic care. A chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to realign the spine and take pressure off of the nerves. This can provide relief from pain and help to improve the range of motion.

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was effective in treating herniated discs. The study found that those who received chiropractic care had a significant reduction in pain and an improved quality of life.

What Can an Atlanta Chiropractor Do to Help?

An Atlanta chiropractor can provide you with the care that you need to address herniated discs and sciatica. When these conditions are left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems, including disability.

The first step in treating herniated discs and sciatica is to identify the cause of the problem. In many cases, herniated discs and sciatica are caused by problems with the spine. Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your pain. If they believe that your herniated disc or sciatica is causing your pain, they may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Chiropractic Adjustments - Adjustments are a type of manual therapy that involves applying gentle pressure to the joints. This can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Spinal Decompression Therapy - This is a non-surgical treatment that uses a machine to apply gentle traction to the spine. This can help to take the pressure off of herniated discs and other spinal issues. These adjustments can help to realign the spine, taking pressure off of the discs and nerves.
Physiotherapy - Your chiropractor may also recommend physiotherapy, which is a type of rehabilitation that uses exercises and stretches to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. This type of rehabilitation can be very beneficial for those who are living with pain from a herniated disc or sciatica.

Tips to Prevent Herniated Discs and Sciatica

Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Quit smoking
Use proper posture and lift heavy objects carefully
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes
Sleep on a firm mattress
Stay active and avoid long periods of sitting or standing in one position
Stretch and move often if you must sit for long periods
See your chiropractor regularly for spinal check-ups
Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

What Are the Most Frequently Occurring Chiropractic Therapies?

Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) - It is estimated that almost 80 percent of all chiropractic patients receive spinal manipulation as part of their care. Manipulation is a technique in which the chiropractor uses his or her hands to apply controlled force to a joint of the spine. The goal of manipulation is to improve the function of the joint and relieve pain. Manipulation is often combined with other chiropractic therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, and exercises.
Massage therapy - About 50 percent of all chiropractic patients receive massage as part of their care. Massage is a hands-on therapy that uses different techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce stress.
Physical therapy - Physiotherapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses exercises and stretches to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. It is often used in combination with other chiropractic therapies, such as spinal manipulation, massage, and electrical stimulation.
Exercise - Exercise is often recommended as part of a chiropractic treatment plan. Exercise can help to improve range of motion, strengthen the muscles that support the spine, and reduce pain.
Nutritional counseling - A healthy diet is important for overall health and well-being. Chiropractors may recommend nutritional counseling to patients who are looking to improve their health and reduce their pain. Nutritional counseling can help patients to make changes to their diet that will lead to better health.
Electrical stimulation - Electrical stimulation is a technique in which electrical currents are used to stimulate the nerves. This can help to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Ultrasound therapy - Ultrasound therapy is a technique in which sound waves are used to stimulate the tissues. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Heat or cold therapy (cold laser therapy) - Cold laser therapy is a technique in which low-level lasers are used to stimulate the tissues. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle counseling - Lifestyle counseling is a type of counseling that helps patients to make changes to their lifestyle that will lead to better health. This can include changes to diet, exercise, and sleep habits.

What Are the Most Common Conditions That Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions that can cause pain, including:

Herniated disc - A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer layer. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain.
Sciatica - Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed. This can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
Spinal stenosis - Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in the spine narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and feet.
Degenerative disc disease - Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs of the spine begin to break down. This can cause pain and stiffness in the back and neck.
Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage of the joints begins to break down. This can cause pain and stiffness in the joints.

Chiropractors also treat other conditions, such as headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and TMJ disorders.

Whatever the condition, a chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

Atlanta Chiropractor

If you are suffering from a herniated disc or sciatica, and looking for chiropractors in the area then look no further than Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinic in Atlanta. They are the leading provider of chiropractic services in Atlanta and have a team of experienced and certified chiropractors who can help you get relief from your pain.

Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinic offers a wide range of services that can help with herniated discs and sciatica, including spinal manipulation, massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, cold laser therapy, and nutritional counseling. They also offer lifestyle counseling to help patients make changes to their diet, exercise, and sleep habits that will lead to better health.

Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinic in Atlanta has over 40 years of experience helping patients of car accidents and other injuries feel better. Contact them today to see how they can help you get on the road to recovery.