Will chiropractic exercise help reduce pain in sciatica?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 20 years old. Sciatica has been present and bothersome for two months. I have been in a low level of constant pain at the least with flair-ups every other day radiating through my leg and spine. When it first presented there was a total weakness in my ankle and loss of sensitivity or sensation on the outer side of my foot. I am no longer experiencing weakness in the foot. I was doing some stretches as directed by a physical therapist but something shifted while I was in the car two days ago.

I cannot sit for more than a few minutes or stand still for more than a few seconds I am lying on my stomach generally for relief and trying to not overextend. It has been really hard to do anything around the house. I could barely shower or dry myself off because everything seemed to agitate the nerve aggressively. I just wanted to make sure this was not a medical emergency or if a chiropractor could help sort it out.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, if you are sure that you have sciatica then a few exercises will help you to relieve the issue. I recommend you to do a lot of icing in the low back and butt area. Then lie on your stomach with your palm placed on either side of your shoulder. By pushing your arm arch back so that you bend your back maximally. Be sure that you do not get any pain running down your legs or feel any numbness down the leg. Repeat this three to four times. You can do this at least four to five times a day. This will help to reduce your pain and keep you moving.

Along with this, I want you to sit with the leg crossed by placing your painful leg's ankle over the opposite knee. Press down your knee and hold that for 10 counts do this six times and repeat it as frequently as possible. The pain will definitely come down. Later you need to start with some rehab and support your spine by strengthening your muscles. Please do not worry as this will definitely be fine and you will get back to your activities pain-free as before with proper treatment.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please do revert back to me if you wish to have any further help and guidance in this regard.

Thank you.