Many people think sciatica is a small issue and try out different treatments on their own. This can in fact be terribly dangerous and aggravate the issue further. It is fundamental to consult a specialist such as Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, who will make the right diagnosis and provide the correct treatment option.
No Reason to Wait
It is crucial to make the right diagnosis in the beginning because sciatica can be caused due to different reasons in different people, and the chiropractor will be able to detect early if the person might be progressing towards a serious problem.
Depending on the diagnosis, Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will formulate a customized treatment plan for each patient, since there are different conditions that are responsible for compressing nerve roots and causing sciatica. Most of the time multiple treatment alternatives have proved to be the most effective and such options could include:
- Chiropractic manipulations and physical therapy for relieving pressure on the nerve
- Application of heat and ice for relieving severe pain
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen for relieving inflammation
- In certain cases epidural steroid injections might also be given for reducing inflammation around the root of the nerve
Surgery is usually the last step and is the route to consider when non-invasive treatments have failed, or when the patient has waited too long to see an expert and the condition has worsened.
A Treatment for every Patient
With the right treatment, most people suffering from sciatica recover within a few weeks. However, depending on the severity of the problem, some patients might take much longer. Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, keeps a watch on the recovery process, and accordingly adjusts the type and intensity of the treatment according to individual patient needs.
It is advisable for people who suffer from sciatica, not to have surgery very soon or very late. Most patients like to avoid surgery, but in certain cases, it might be the best avenue to walk down for relieving intense pain quickly. Surgery could also be the most prudent choice when the patient has lost considerable function and mobility due to sciatica condition.
The type of surgical procedure will also depend on the underlying condition that is causing the pressure on the nerve. For instance, for treating spinal stenosis, lumbar laminectomy is recommended, whereas for herniated disc it is usually microdiscectomy.
Not doing anything is not a Viable Solution
Many people believe that bed rest can cure sciatica; however, this is a misconception. Bed rest may be tremendous for a couple of days when the condition flares up initially, but continuously avoiding all activity can lead to more pain and even worsening of the condition. Therefore, you need to consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, as soon as you experience pain.
