The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to help the body’s potential to heal itself. It is based on the scientific principle that restricted spinal movement leads to pain and reduced function and performance. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, non-surgical and drug-free. The type of chiropractic therapy provided depends on the cause of the patient’s sciatica. A sciatica treatment plan may include several different treatments such as ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, TENS, and spinal adjustments (sometimes called spinal manipulation). Below are more details on these chiropractic treatment modalities.

Ice/Cold therapy reduces inflammation and helps to control sciatic pain.

Ultrasound is gentle heat created by sound waves that penetrates deep into tissues. Ultrasound increases circulation and helps to reduce muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.

A TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a small box-like, battery-powered, portable muscle-stimulating machine. Variable intensities of electrical current control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms. Larger, more professional-strength electrical nerve stimulation devices are used by chiropractors, physical therapists and other rehab professionals.

Adjustments (Spinal Manipulation): At the core of chiropractic care are spinal adjustments. Manipulation corrects restricted movement of the spine and helps to restore
misaligned vertebral bodies to their proper position in the spinal column. Spinal adjustment helps to reduce nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica. Adjustments should not be painful. Spinal manipulation is proven to be safe and effective.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.