Sciatica Relief and Spinal Decompression - What You Need to Know

Sciatica relief and spinal decompression can be found at your local Chiropractic office. When you are looking for non-invasive sciatica relief and spinal decompression therapy, a Chiropractor can help by diagnosing the condition and coming up with an effective treatment plan.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica pain is caused by an injury of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. Its roots can be found in the lower (lumbar) region of the spinal cord and extends through the buttocks with nerve endings down the legs. When this major nerve gets injured or compressed the pain can be felt in the back of the thighs, causing weakness, tingling or numbness, often on one side of the body.

The pain of sciatica can worsen after sitting or standing for long periods of time, bending forward or backwards or walking for more than very short distances.

How does spinal decompression provide sciatica relief?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is designed to take the pressure off the sciatica compressed nerve by slowly and gently stretching the spine at a certain angle followed by cycles of partial relaxation. This pattern of distraction and relaxation creates a "vacuum effect" or negative intra-discal pressure.

Along with the use of the spinal decompression machine, your Chiropractor will teach you some exercises that you can do to strengthen the supporting structures of the back and promote increased circulation, which will allow the back to heal more quickly. Gentle stretching exercises also help to warm up and loosen the tight muscles and take pressure of the sciatica nerve.

So, exercise can bring sciatica relief while it also helps strengthen the back, allowing for the body's natural healing to take place.

Tips for sciatica prevention:
Use correct posture when sitting for prolonged periods of time. If your work requires you to be seated, make sure that your chair is the right height and that it provides proper ergonomic support for your back.

• Sleep on a firm mattress. A too soft or sagging mattress does not provide support for your spine, and this can aggravate the sciatica.
• Use correct lifting mechanics. Do not lift items that are too heavy for you, keep your back straight and bend your knees instead of your waist while lifting slowly.
• Carry a backpack using both shoulder straps to evenly distribute the weight of the bag. A heavy bag or purse can cause shoulder, neck and back pain over time.
• Do gentle warm-up and cool-down stretches whenever you exercise. Yoga, Pilates and other exercises that focus on developing core strength will help keep your back in good, limber shape and help you avoid injury when done properly.