Back pain, with radiation down the leg, is one of the most common chronic pain conditions affecting adults of all ages. It often comes with pain, inflammation, and numbness along the back of your legs, buttocks, feet, and toes. Known as sciatica, these symptoms occur when a herniated disk compresses a part of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can be difficult to treat, leading patients to seek various treatments to find relief. At Whitefish Chiropractic, we work directly with patients to provide tailored treatments to address the root causes of sciatica pain. A combination of three proven treatments—the McKenzie Method, laser therapy, and dry needling—can be very effective for improving motion and pain reduction.
Overview of Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the back of the pelvis to the end of each foot. Sciatica is a medical term for symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed (typically due to a herniated disk or muscle spasm). Symptoms may include back pain, inflammation, leg pain, and numbness or tingling in the backs of the legs, buttocks, feet, and toes. Traditional treatments for sciatica include pain relievers, physical therapy, and surgery. However, many patients want to know how to treat sciatica without medication or surgery. Fortunately, non-invasive, medication-free methods can diminish or completely relieve sciatica symptoms.
The McKenzie Method, Laser Therapy, and Dry Needling
The McKenzie Method, laser therapy, and dry needling are three types of non-invasive, medication-free treatments that address the root causes of sciatica. When used together, they work to eliminate inflammation, improve a patient’s range of motion, and reduce muscle tightness, promoting faster healing.
The McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method is a series of therapeutic exercises to relieve acute sciatica leg pain and restore motion to the spine. The exercises are performed in lying and standing positions and include backward and forward bending and extensions to improve the range of motion in the spine. McKenzie therapy is performed under the guidance of a trained therapist to help patients perform the exercises safely and avoid potential injury. McKenzie exercises for sciatica can be personalized to your needs and are often continued even after the pain is gone to prevent a recurrence.
Laser Therapy
Sciatica laser treatment uses laser energy to target inflammation that compresses the sciatic nerve. The treatment uses focused light energy for about 5 to 10 minutes to target damaged cells and promote rapid healing. The energy to the cells reduces inflammation, often resulting in an immediate reduction in pain and discomfort. The reduction of pain and inflammation promotes an increased range of motion around the injury, improving your mobility to speed healing. Most cases require only five or six treatments. However, chronic conditions may require up to 12 treatments with occasional follow-up treatments.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective treatment for muscle pain and stiffness commonly associated with sciatica. Using a fine needle, a trained practitioner inserts the needle directly into trigger points or tight bands of muscle tissue. This process helps release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing by stimulating the body’s natural response to tissue injury. The technique can reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve, alleviate muscle spasms, and relieve pain. Dry needling is often used in combination with McKenzie exercises and laser therapy to enhance the benefits of each treatment and accelerate recovery.
Integrating the McKenzie Method, Laser Therapy, and Dry Needling
McKenzie method, laser treatment, and dry needling complement each other to provide relief from acute and chronic pain, improve range of movement, and promote faster recovery. A chiropractic professional will begin by assessing your condition and the severity of your pain to provide a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your physical condition. In some cases, treatment may begin with one or more sessions of laser therapy or dry needling to reduce pain and make exercises more tolerable. A therapist or chiropractor often adapts McKenzie exercises so patients can begin at a comfortable level of treatment. Since these treatments are non-invasive, patients often experience pain reduction and increased range of motion immediately following treatments.
Contact Whitefish Chiropractic To Schedule an Appointment for Your Sciatica Today
Sciatica is often a debilitating condition that prevents patients from enjoying their favorite activities and can even interfere with daily tasks such as dressing, walking, and driving. The integration of laser therapy, McKenzie method exercises, and dry needling into a chiropractic treatment plan can provide long-term relief without reliance on pain medications or invasive surgeries. Contact us at Whitefish Chiropractic to learn more about how these treatments can eliminate your sciatica symptoms and allow you to live pain-free.
