I’ve have an on and off battle with sciatica.  Every time I think it’s gone, it rears its ugly head (and I mean ugly).

So far I’ve gone for chiropractic adjustments, occasional doses of ibuprofen when the pain becomes unbearable, acupuncture, stretching exercises and mega doses of vitamin C (to help reduce inflammation).  Each has its merits, I’m frustrated because the relief is only temporary.

Switching Up the Treatment

When my sciatica started to clear its throat again, I decided to try a different approach.  No sense in continuing to do the same thing because I would only get the same results.  So, I shopped around for a different chiropractor.

What attracted me to my new chiropractor was his online listing specifically named sciatica as a condition from which he could provide relief.  Not only that, he accepted my insurance.

Treatment Strategy

I met with the chiropractor and we discussed my condition at length.  He examined me and put me through a series of movements to help find what got things ‘fired up.’  Additionally, we were able to discuss our respective philosophies.

We both prefer not to use drugs in treating my condition, but there are times when drugs are the quickest way of resolving the problem.  The drug in my case is the use of ibuprofen.  We agreed I needed to take it regularly for about 7 to 10 days to reduce and get rid of the inflammation.

To aid in reducing the inflammation, I must place ice packs on the affected area at least 4 times a day for 20 minutes each time.  For a person who thrives in 90-degree heat, ice packs aren’t fun, but I’m doing it.

Exercises and Stretching

Because this is a brand new patient/doctor relationship, my chiropractor requested that I stop all forms of exercises (except for walking) for a period of two weeks or so.  Not knowing whether or not my daily exercise activities are contributing to my sciatic conditions we deiced to err on the side of caution.  I can always add exercise back as my condition improves.

In addition to walking, he gave me several slow stretching exercises to be performed at least 4 times a day.

Ruling Out Obvious Causes

He ordered x-rays to rule out disc degeneration.  In the meanwhile, he’s working on the tight lower back muscles that are aggravating my condition.  He is employing deep heat treatments, muscle massage, electronic stimulation and chiropractic adjustments.

I think this mufti-faceted approach may be what I need to get through this sciatica issue once and for all.  The sciatica won’t disappear overnight, but I’m willing to do my part to get it gone.  Only time will tell.