There are many different options when it comes to treating sciatica. Although this is not the most recommended plan, one option is to wait it out and try over the counter medications to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Others decide to take an active approach to helping the problem. Seeing a healthcare professional who specializes in low back pain such as a chiropractic physician is a great place to start. Chiropractors are trained and licensed to treat conditions such as sciatica.

Other treatments consist of visits to a physical therapist, primary care physician or surgeon. Surgery is usually performed after more conservative methods of treatment have been attempted. Surgery may be required if the cause of the problem is from spinal stenosis or a disc protrusion that hasn’t healed with conservative treatment such as chiropractic care or physical therapy.

Sciatica is also very common with pregnancy. Pregnancy can induce these symptoms for several reasons, especially if there was an underlining problem beforehand. One cause is from the dramatic changes that occur within the pelvis. During pregnancy oxytocin is naturally released in the body to allow the joints of the pelvis to move more freely preparing the body for the birth of the baby. If there is either a muscle or a joint restriction in the pelvis during this time it may cause problems in the area of the sciatic nerve. This is a situation where chiropractic care can be very helpful. Chiropractors are trained to locate and release these restrictions that can cause pain during pregnancy. Many times after the baby has been delivered sciatic symptoms usually improve greatly.

Massage therapy may be of some benefit as well. Trigger points that build in the piriformis muscle or other muscles that put pressure on key points can be released sometimes by massage therapists.

Conservative treatment and therapies should be considered first when dealing with sciatica. If conservative treatment does not help then other more invasive procedures can be considered. Overall sciatica is usually a very common and easy condition to get help for.