While taking a pain reliever may be the number one choice when it comes to sciatica treatment, it is not a lasting solution to the problem. Besides, there are side effects associated with using such medications for over five days. For these reasons, many patients resort to natural methods for getting lasting relief without worrying about their overall health. It is worth exploring the three main options in this category.
Spinal Adjustment by a Chiropractor
This sciatica treatment is becoming ever more widely used. The spinal adjustment, also known as manual manipulation, involves the use for techniques for aligning the spinal column properly and improving its mobility. The treatment is performed by a trained chiropractor. The techniques involve mostly movement of different parts of the body and the application of pressure. Patients usually don’t experience any kind of discomfort or pain during the session.
You should know that spinal adjustment is considered to be both effective and safe for relieving sciatica pain. The frequency of the sessions depends on the individual needs of the patient. It could be used in conjunction with other sciatica treatment methods such as physical therapy.
Acupuncture
This therapy comes from traditional Chinese medicine and its job is to restore the energy flow in the body. It is approved for sciatica treatment by the FDA in the United States. It is recognized as effective and safe when applied by a qualified therapist who adheres to safety standards.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needs into certain spots on the body. The needles are extremely thin so you should not expect to experience any kind of discomfort during the treatment session. Usually, a set of sessions over the course of two or three weeks can help to keep the pain under check for several months. Still, your therapist will come up with an individual treatment schedule depending on your needs.
Massage
There are various massage techniques which can bring relief to lower back and leg pain associated with sciatica. They contribute to the relaxation of the muscles in the affected areas and improve the blood flow to them too. For best results, the massage should be performed by an experienced specialist who has good understanding of the condition. It is worth noting that the massage therapy can provide temporary results as a sciatica treatment.
Consider using a natural method to feel better without worrying about side effects. Remember that it’s always a good idea to combine your chosen sciatica treatment with exercise for achieving the best result.