Sciatica Archives - Bend Total Body Chiropractic

A chiropractor sitting working on the neck of a patient.

October 22, 2024

By Bari Liebowitz Chiropractic Care, General Health, Neck Soreness, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Shockwave Therapy, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Sports Injury, Work Injury

Why You Should See a Chiropractor in Bend, Oregon

Living in Central Oregon offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, but with an active lifestyle often comes occasional discomfort, injuries, or chronic pain. Whether you are a weekend warrior, an avid skier or simply experiencing neck and back issues from desk work, chiropractic care can help restore your well-being. Seeing a chiropractor in Bend can offer significant benefits by providing natural, drug-free solutions for managing pain and improving mobility. Below, we’ll walk through when to consider chiropractic care, what to expect during an exam, types of treatments available and who can benefit from Bend chiropractic care.

When to Consider Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a great option for treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving the spine and nervous system, muscles and joints. It’s not just for back pain; there are many situations where seeing one of our chiropractors in Bend can be beneficial:

Chronic back or neck pain: Ongoing discomfort that hasn’t responded to traditional medical treatments.
Sports injuries: Strains or injuries from hiking, skiing, golfing or other physical activities common in Bend.
Auto accidents: Chiropractic care can address whiplash injuries, soft tissue injuries and other pain following car accidents.
Poor posture: Issues related to desk work or prolonged sitting that cause back and neck tension.
Headaches and migraines: Tension headaches, sometimes related to neck issues, can improve with chiropractic adjustments.
Joint pain or stiffness: Inflammation or reduced mobility in shoulders, knees or hips.
Pregnancy discomfort: Specialized techniques can help relieve back pain associated with pregnancy.
Preventative care: Even if you’re pain-free, regular adjustments can help prevent injuries and support long-term wellness.

Whether you have an acute injury or are seeking preventative care, chiropractic treatment can offer relief and help you stay active and healthy.

What Happens in a Chiropractic Exam

If it’s your first appointment with one of our chiropractors in Bend, the process begins with a detailed exam to assess your condition. Here’s what you can expect in an initial visit:

1. Initial Consultation: Our chiropractors will take your health history, asking about current symptoms, past injuries, and lifestyle habits. We’ll also ask what goals you hope to achieve through treatment.

2. Physical Exam: This may include evaluating your posture, range of motion, and reflexes. Our chiropractors will also palpate areas of discomfort to identify misalignments or muscle tightness.

3. Diagnostics: If necessary, we may recommend X-rays or other imaging to get a clearer picture of any structural issues in the spine or joints.

4. Treatment Plan: After the exam, our Bend chiropractors will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will likely include adjustments, therapeutic exercises and lifestyle advice to address the root cause of your discomfort.

Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach, focusing on overall wellness and addressing issues beyond just pain relief.

Types of Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care offers a variety of specialized treatments, each aimed at addressing specific issues. Below are various techniques used by our chiropractors in Bend:

1. Graston Technique

This soft-tissue therapy involves using stainless steel instruments to gently scrape over the skin, breaking up scar tissue and adhesions that limit movement. The Graston Technique is especially effective for treating repetitive strain injuries, such as tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis.

2. Spinal Manipulation

Often called a chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation is the hallmark of chiropractic care. This structural correction technique involves using controlled force to realign vertebrae, reduce nerve pressure and improve mobility. Many people experience immediate relief from back pain, neck pain and headaches after spinal alignment.

3. Spinal Decompression Therapy

This non-invasive therapy stretches the spine using a specialized table to relieve pressure on spinal discs. It’s an effective treatment for conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, and pinched nerves. Spinal decompression promotes better circulation to the affected area, supporting the body’s natural healing process.

4. Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic waves to targeted areas of the body, stimulating blood flow and accelerating tissue healing. This technique is often used to treat chronic conditions like tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. Many patients report reduced pain and improved mobility after just a few sessions.

These therapies can be used alone or combined, depending on your individual needs. Our Bend chiropractors will customize treatments to provide the most effective care possible.

Who Can Get Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, from children to seniors. Let’s explore who can benefit from visiting one of our chiropractors in Bend:

Adults with chronic pain or injuries: People dealing with persistent neck or back pain can find lasting relief through regular chiropractic care.
Athletes and active individuals: Preventative care can keep muscles and joints functioning optimally, while treatment for sports injuries ensures a quicker recovery.
Pregnant women: Gentle chiropractic techniques can ease back and hip discomfort during pregnancy and improve overall comfort.
Children and teenagers: Kids experiencing issues like poor posture, scoliosis, or sports injuries can benefit from chiropractic adjustments to support healthy growth.
Seniors: Chiropractic care helps older adults maintain mobility and manage age-related issues like arthritis or joint stiffness.

Our chiropractors use techniques tailored to individual needs, ensuring treatments are safe and effective for people at every stage of life.

Other Considerations for Chiropractic Care

When choosing a chiropractor in Bend, it’s important to find someone who aligns with your health goals and values. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Experience and Specialties: Look for chiropractors with expertise in areas that match your specific needs, such as sports injuries, pregnancy care, or pediatric chiropractic.
Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but it’s a good idea to confirm your benefits before starting treatment.
Holistic Approach: A good chiropractor will offer more than just adjustments, incorporating nutritional advice, rehabilitative exercises, and ergonomic tips to support your overall wellness.
Consistency: Chiropractic care works best when it’s part of a consistent routine. Regular appointments can help maintain progress and prevent future issues.

Whether you’re dealing with a specific injury or simply seeking to stay active and pain-free, choosing a trusted chiropractor in Bend is a step toward improving your quality of life.

Let Our Bend Chiropractors Help You Achieve Optimal Health

Chiropractic care offers a wide range of benefits, from relieving pain to improving overall health and mobility. With chiropractic treatments such as the Graston Technique, spinal manipulation, spinal decompression therapy and shockwave therapy, our chiropractors provide customized treatment plans to help you live your best life. Chiropractic care isn’t just for those with injuries—it’s for anyone looking to maintain wellness, prevent future issues, and stay active.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, recovering from a sports injury, or simply want to stay in peak condition, visit our chiropractic clinic in Bend. Take charge of your health today by scheduling a consultation and exploring the natural, exceptional care that chiropractic treatment can provide.

A female runner stops to hold her lower back which is in pain.

July 2, 2024

By Bari Liebowitz Chiropractic Care, Exercise, Sciatica, Shockwave Therapy, Spinal Decompression Therapy

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica: A Holistic Approach to Pain Relief

Sciatica is a common and painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While conventional treatments like pain medications and surgery are sometimes necessary, many individuals find relief through chiropractic care in Bend, Oregon. This holistic approach focuses on addressing the root causes of sciatica pain and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what sciatica is, its symptoms and causes, and how chiropractic care can effectively treat this condition.

Understanding Sciatica: Symptoms and Causes

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve that branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body, though in rare cases, it can impact both sides. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body, playing a crucial role in connecting the spinal cord to the leg and foot muscles.

Common sciatica symptoms include:

Lower back pain that extends to the hip, buttock, and leg.
Shooting or searing sciatic nerve pain down one leg.
Numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot.
Muscle weakness in the leg or foot.
Difficulty standing up or walking.
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing.

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that significantly impacts daily activities and quality of life.

Sciatica is not a condition in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying problem.

Common causes include:

Lower back pain that extends to the hip, buttock, and leg: This pain often feels like a constant, intense ache. It typically starts in the lower back and radiates down through the buttock and into the leg on one side of the body.
Shooting or searing pain down one leg: This is often described as a sharp, electric shock-like sensation. It can occur suddenly with certain movements or positions.
Numbness or tingling in the affected leg or foot: This can range from a mild pins-and-needles sensation to complete loss of feeling in parts of the leg or foot.
Weakness in the leg or foot: This can manifest as difficulty moving the leg or foot, or a feeling of heaviness in the limb. In severe cases, it may cause foot drop, where lifting the front part of the foot becomes challenging.
Difficulty standing up or walking: The pain and weakness can make it hard to stand from a sitting position or maintain a normal walking gait.
Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing: This is due to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve in these positions.

Regarding the causes, let’s expand on each:

Herniated discs: The soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the tougher outer layer, potentially compressing or irritating nearby nerves.
Spinal stenosis: This involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related changes or conditions like arthritis.
Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the spinal discs can wear down, losing height and elasticity, which can lead to nerve compression.
Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, potentially pinching the sciatic nerve.
Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can sometimes spasm and compress the sciatic nerve.
Pregnancy: The growing uterus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, especially in the third trimester.
Trauma or injury: A fall, car accident, or sports injury can damage the spine or surrounding tissues, leading to sciatica.
Tumors: In rare cases, tumors growing in or near the spine can compress the sciatic nerve.

Understanding the underlying cause of sciatica is crucial for effective treatment, which is where chiropractic care comes into play.

Chiropractic Approach to Treating Sciatica

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating sciatica. Your chiropractor in Bend focuses on diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, with a particular emphasis on manual chiropractic adjustment and manipulation of the spine. The first step in treating sciatica is an accurate diagnosis, which your Bend chiropractor achieves through physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies when necessary.

Key chiropractic techniques for treating sciatica include:

Spinal Adjustments: This manual therapy involves the chiropractor applying controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal is to improve spinal motion and the body’s physical function. For sciatica, spinal manipulation can help realign the lower spine, potentially relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Flexion-Distraction Technique: This gentle, non-thrusting technique uses a special table that distracts and flexes the lumbar spine in a rhythmic motion. This chiropractic manipulation is particularly effective for disc-related sciatica, as it can help increase disc height and reduce pressure on nerves.
McKenzie Method: This approach involves a series of progressions of positions and exercises. The goal is to centralize the patient’s pain (move it toward the midline of the body) and then work on eliminating it. It also helps identify positions and activities that worsen or improve symptoms.
Cold and Heat Therapy: Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain, while heat therapy relaxes muscles and increases blood flow. Alternating between the two can be particularly effective.
Spinal Decompression Therapy: This non-surgical technique uses motorized traction to gently stretch the spine. During this treatment, patients lie on a specialized table while a computer-controlled device applies calculated forces to specific areas of the spine.
Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in soft tissues. During treatment, a handheld device is used to deliver acoustic waves to the affected area. These waves create microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response.

In addition to these techniques, chiropractors prescribe specific exercises tailored to each patient’s condition. These exercises aim to:

Strengthen core muscles: A strong core provides better support for the spine, potentially reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Improve flexibility and range of motion: This can help reduce tension on the sciatic nerve and improve overall mobility.
Enhance overall posture and body mechanics: Better posture and movement patterns can help prevent future episodes of sciatica.

Your chiropractor in Bend also provides valuable guidance on lifestyle modifications, including advice on proper posture, ergonomic adjustments, and nutritional support to reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

The Holistic Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

What sets chiropractic care apart in treating sciatica is its holistic approach. Rather than simply addressing the symptoms, chiropractors aim to:

Identifying and treating the root cause: Rather than just masking symptoms, chiropractors aim to address the underlying issue causing the sciatica.
Restoring proper function to the spine and nervous system: This can lead to improvements beyond just the sciatic pain, potentially benefiting overall health.
Empowering patients with knowledge and tools for self-care: Patients learn exercises, ergonomic adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to manage their condition and get back to everyday activities.
Promoting overall health and well-being: The focus is not just on treating sciatica, but on improving the patient’s overall health and quality of life.
This comprehensive strategy not only helps alleviate current symptoms but also works to prevent future occurrences of sciatica.

Choosing chiropractic care for sciatica offers several advantages:

Non-invasive treatment: This avoids the risks associated with surgery, such as infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and prolonged recovery times.
Drug-free approach: This reduces the risk of side effects and dependency associated with long-term pain medication use.
Customized care: Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific condition, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Long-term relief: By addressing the underlying cause, chiropractic care aims to provide lasting relief, not just temporary symptom management.
Improved overall health: The holistic approach often leads to improvements in general health and well-being, beyond just treating the sciatica.

Visit Total Body Chiropractic in Bend to Alleviate Your Sciatic Pain

Sciatica can be a painful and frustrating condition, but chiropractic care offers a safe, effective, and holistic approach to treatment. By addressing the root cause of sciatic pain and utilizing a variety of techniques, chiropractors can help patients find relief and regain their quality of life. If you’re struggling with sciatica, make an appointment with one of our Bend chiropractors to explore how this form of care might benefit you. Remember, early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms of sciatica.

May 21, 2024

By Bari Liebowitz Chiropractic Care, Neck Soreness, Sciatica

How Do Chiropractors Know What to Treat?

When it comes to addressing pain and discomfort in the body, your chiropractor in Bend, Oregon plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. But how do they know exactly what to treat and where to adjust? The process is both an art and a science, involving a comprehensive assessment that combines patient history, physical examinations, diagnostic imaging, and specialized tests. This careful and methodical approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring health and enhancing well-being. In this blog post, we explore the various techniques and methodologies your Bend chiropractic team uses to determine the best course of treatment, providing insights into the process behind effective chiropractic care.

Here is a comprehensive overview of how chiropractors know where to adjust:

Initial Consultation and Patient History

Comprehensive Medical History: Your chiropractor begins by gathering a detailed medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, and any chronic conditions.
Lifestyle and Occupation: Understanding your lifestyle and occupation can provide insights into potential sources of musculoskeletal issues.
Pain Location and Description: Describe your pain, including its location, intensity, and duration.
Activity Impact: Discuss your symptoms affect daily activities and movements.

Physical Examination

Visual Assessment: Your chiropractor will observe your posture, looking for misalignments or imbalances in the spine and body.
Standing and Sitting: Examination in different positions to identify any deviations from normal posture.
Joint Flexibility: Your Bend chiropractor will assess the flexibility and range of motion in the spine and other joints.
Movement Restrictions: Identify areas where movement is restricted or painful.
Spinal Palpation: Your chiropractor uses their hands to feel the spine for abnormalities, such as muscle tightness, tenderness, or misalignments.
Soft Tissue Palpation: Assess the condition of surrounding muscles and tissues for tightness or spasms.

Diagnostic Imaging

Spinal Alignment: X-rays provide a clear view of the spinal alignment and help identify any structural issues.
Bone Health: Check for signs of degeneration, fractures, or other abnormalities.
Soft Tissue Examination: MRI or CT scans are used to examine soft tissues, such as discs, nerves, and muscles.
Detailed Images: Provide detailed images to identify issues not visible on X-rays.

Neurological and Orthopedic Tests

Reflex Testing: Evaluate the reflexes to check for nerve function and potential neurological issues.
Sensory Tests: Assess sensation and strength in different parts of the body to identify nerve compression or damage.
Specialized Movements: Your chiropractor will use specific movements and positions to isolate and identify problem areas.
Joint Stability: Test for joint stability and identifying any structural weaknesses.

Motion Palpation

Spinal Movement: Your chiropractor will assess the movement of each vertebra during various motions.
Segmental Mobility: Identify segments of the spine that are not moving correctly or are restricted.
Evaluating Joint Play: Assess the small movements within the joint to detect restrictions or misalignments.
Functional Movements: Observe how the spine and joints move during normal functional activities.

Functional Assessment

Walking Patterns: Analyze your walking patterns to identify any imbalances or irregularities.
Foot Alignment: Check the alignment and function of your feet as they relate to overall posture and spinal health.
Daily Activities: Assess how your perform daily activities to identify movements that may contribute to pain or dysfunction.
Repetitive Movements: Evaluate repetitive movements that might be causing or exacerbating musculoskeletal issues.

Patient Feedback

Adjusting Techniques: Monitor how you respond to specific adjustments to determine effectiveness.
Symptom Improvement: Incorporate your feedback on symptom improvement to guide future adjustments.
Pain Levels: Regularly discuss pain levels and functional improvements with the patient.
Adjustment Modifications: Modify adjustment techniques based on patient feedback and progress.

Your chiropractor in Bend will take a comprehensive approach to determine where to adjust, combining patient history, physical examinations, diagnostic imaging, and functional assessments. This holistic method ensures that each adjustment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, promoting optimal spinal health and overall well-being. By continuously monitoring and adjusting their techniques based on patient feedback and progress, your chiropractor can provide effective and personalized care to meet your health goals.

What Does your Bend Chiropractor Treat?

Your Bend chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those related to the spine. Their approach emphasizes manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine and other joints to provide pain relief and improve function. Here are some of the primary conditions and issues that chiropractors treat:

1. Back Pain

Lower Back Pain:

Chronic Pain: Chiropractors in Central Oregon frequently treat chronic lower back pain, often caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting, or repetitive strain.
Acute Pain: Sudden injuries or strains from lifting heavy objects can also lead to lower back pain, which chiropractic care can help alleviate.

Upper Back Pain:

Postural Issues: Poor posture and sedentary lifestyles contribute to upper back pain, which chiropractors address through spinal adjustments and posture correction.
Muscle Strain: Overuse or tension in the muscles can lead to pain, treated through targeted adjustments and therapeutic exercises.

2. Neck Pain

Cervical Spine Issues:

Whiplash: Commonly resulting from auto accidents, whiplash involves the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, leading to pain and stiffness that chiropractors treat with gentle adjustments.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear on the cervical spine can cause neck pain, which chiropractic care can help manage.

Tech Neck:

Posture Correction: The increasing use of smartphones and computers leads to forward head posture and neck strain, addressed through chiropractic adjustments and ergonomic advice.

3. Headaches and Migraines

Tension Headaches:

Muscle Tension: Often resulting from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, tension headaches can be alleviated by chiropractic adjustments and muscle relaxation techniques.
Stress Relief: Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes and stress management techniques to reduce headache frequency.

Migraines:

Spinal Alignment: Misalignments in the cervical spine can contribute to migraines, and chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments and reduce migraine frequency and severity.

4. Joint Pain and Dysfunction

Shoulder Pain:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Chiropractors can help manage shoulder pain from rotator cuff injuries through adjustments and rehabilitative exercises.
Frozen Shoulder: This condition, characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, can be treated with chiropractic techniques to improve mobility.

Knee Pain:

Arthritis: Chiropractic care can help manage the pain and stiffness associated with knee arthritis through adjustments and supportive therapies.
Patellar Tracking Issues: Misalignment of the knee cap can cause pain and be addressed with specific chiropractic adjustments.

5. Sciatica

Nerve Compression:

Spinal Adjustments: Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating down the leg from the lower back, is often caused by nerve compression. Chiropractic adjustments aim to relieve this pressure and alleviate lower back and hip pain.
Exercise Recommendations: Chiropractors may also prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and reduce sciatica symptoms.

6. Sports Injuries

Strains and Sprains:

Acute Injuries: Chiropractors treat acute sports injuries like strains and sprains with adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.
Injury Prevention: They also provide advice on injury prevention through proper biomechanics and conditioning.

7. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrist and Hand Pain:

Nerve Compression: Caused by compression of the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed with chiropractic adjustments to the wrist and recommendations for ergonomic changes.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Chiropractors may also suggest exercises to strengthen the muscles of the wrist and hand.

8. Scoliosis

Spinal Curvature:

Postural Correction: Chiropractic wellness can help manage the symptoms of scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Pain Management: Adjustments and exercises aim to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain associated with scoliosis.

Chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, focusing on non-invasive techniques to alleviate pain and improve function. Their chiropractic treatment addresses the root causes of discomfort, promoting optimal health. Whether dealing with chronic back pain, acute injuries, or postural issues, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective solution for many individuals seeking pain relief and better health. Contact our chiropractors in Bend today for an initial consultation.

Man sitting in car holds his lower back from piriformis syndrome pain.

December 14, 2023

By Bari Liebowitz Chiropractic Care, Sciatica, Shockwave Therapy

Chiropractic Solutions for Piriformis Syndrome Relief

Chiropractic treatment for Piriformis Syndrome represents a holistic approach focusing on reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving overall function without the use of invasive procedures or pharmaceuticals. This condition, characterized by the piriformis muscle irritating the sciatic nerve, causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve descending down the lower thigh and into the leg. Understanding the role of chiropractic care in managing this syndrome requires an in-depth look at various treatment modalities and their effectiveness.

Understanding Piriformis Syndrome

Before looking at chiropractic treatments, it’s essential to understand Piriformis Syndrome. The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttocks, behind the gluteal muscles. It plays a crucial role in allowing the thigh to rotate and move from side to side. In Piriformis Syndrome, the muscle becomes tight or spasms, causing irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Piriformis Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder caused when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks near the top of the hip joint, becomes tight or spasms, leading to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This can result from injury, prolonged sitting, overuse, or biomechanical issues like pelvic misalignment or muscle imbalance.

Piriformis Syndrome presents a range of symptoms primarily centered around discomfort in the buttock and leg. The most common symptom is a deep, aching pain in the buttock, often exacerbated by sitting for prolonged periods or performing activities that involve the piriformis muscle. This pain can sometimes radiate down the back of the thigh, following the path of the sciatic nerve, leading to a condition commonly referred to as sciatica.

The symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome include:

Deep, aching pain in the buttock area.
Pain radiating down the back of the thigh, possibly reaching the lower leg and foot (similar to sciatica).
Numbness or tingling along the back of the leg.
Increased pain after prolonged sitting.
Discomfort during activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or running.
Sensation of tightness or restricted movement in the hip area.
Lower back pain.
Pain that improves with movement or walking.
Difficulty sitting comfortably.
Pain when pressure is applied to the piriformis muscle area.

Patients may also experience numbness or tingling along the leg, and in some cases, pain may extend to the lower back and down to the foot. Discomfort may worsen with everyday activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or running, and relief is often found by lying down or walking. Some individuals report a sensation of tightness or restricted movement in the hip area. It’s important to note that these symptoms can mimic other conditions, so accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential.

Piriformis Syndrome treatment often includes physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises to alleviate muscle tightness and improve hip mobility. Chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and heat therapy are also beneficial treatment options. In some cases, medications for pain and inflammation or non-invasive treatment like shockwave therapy might be recommended.

Chiropractic Assessment

The first step in chiropractic care for this painful condition is an initial evaluation and thorough assessment. This assessment typically includes a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and possibly diagnostic imaging. Chiropractors focus on identifying the underlying causes, which could include spinal misalignments, muscular imbalances, or other biomechanical issues.

Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractors are renowned for their expertise in spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation. This manual therapy involves applying controlled force to the spine’s vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce subluxation, thereby increasing range of motion, reducing nerve irritability, and improving function. In the context of Piriformis Syndrome, adjustments can help realign the pelvis and lower back, reducing the tension in the piriformis muscle and alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Soft Tissue Therapies

Soft tissue therapies like myofascial release or trigger point therapy are integral to chiropractic treatment for Piriformis Syndrome. These therapies involve applying pressure to the piriformis muscle and surrounding tissues to release tension and knots. This can help alleviate a tight piriformis muscle, reduce pain, and improve flexibility, which is crucial in managing Piriformis Syndrome.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Chiropractors often recommend specific core muscle exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles associated with Piriformis Syndrome. Stretching exercises aim to elongate the piriformis muscle, reducing spasms and tension. Strengthening exercises, on the other hand, focus on the muscles of the hips and lower back. By strengthening these muscles, patients can achieve better pelvic stability, which can help prevent future recurrences of Piriformis Syndrome.

Postural Education and Ergonomic Advice

Chiropractors provide valuable insights into the importance of posture and ergonomics in preventing and managing Piriformis Syndrome. Poor posture, especially while sitting for prolonged periods, can exacerbate the symptoms. Chiropractors may advise on ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and posture-corrective strategies to reduce the strain on the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve.

Cold and Heat Therapy

Applying ice or heat can be an effective adjunct to chiropractic treatment for Piriformis Syndrome. Ice packs can reduce inflammation and alleviate acute pain, while heat therapy can relax tight muscles and improve blood circulation to the affected area.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for Piriformis Syndrome, offering significant relief by targeting the root causes of the condition. This non-invasive technique uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected muscle. These sound waves promote blood flow, reduce muscle spasms, and encourage tissue repair, effectively addressing both inflammation and pain. By breaking down scar tissue and adhesions in the piriformis muscle, shockwave therapy can alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve, thereby reducing symptoms. Patients often experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility after a series of treatments, making it a valuable tool in the management of Piriformis Syndrome.

Visit Total Body Chiropractic for Piriformis Pain Relief

Chiropractic treatment offers a comprehensive approach to managing Piriformis Syndrome, addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes. By combining spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle advice, chiropractors can help patients achieve lasting relief and prevent recurrence. This approach emphasizes the body’s inherent ability to heal and maintain balance, making chiropractic care an increasingly popular choice for those suffering from Piriformis Syndrome and other musculoskeletal conditions. As with any medical treatment, it’s crucial for patients to consult with qualified healthcare professionals to determine a proper treatment plan for their individual needs. Make an appointment today with Total Body Chiropractic in Bend to get pain relief from Piriformis Syndrome.

January 12, 2019

By Bend Total Body Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Sciatica chronic leg pain, leg pain, sciatica

What Can a Chiropractor Do for My Leg Pain?

Leg pain affects many people on a daily basis. Depending on the cause and everyone’s situation, symptoms of leg pain may present in various ways. For some, the pain begins in the lower back and travels down one or both legs. Some experience pain down the back of the legs (sciatica), some on the front of the thighs, and others down the side of the legs. Then there are others who experience pain only below the knee or solely in the feet or toes.

Pain can be associated with different parts of the body, like the hip, ankle, thigh, knees and feet but they would not be categorized as leg pain, and as such receive specific treatment in these areas. Doctors must perform an in-depth analysis or evaluation to deduce the specific cause of the leg pain. They will want to rule out that it isn’t caused by a fall or some other traumatic injury. It is important they rule out strains, disc issues and/or broken bones that might be creating the leg pain.

One of the more common leg pain issues is sciatica, an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which begins at the base of your spine. It is the largest nerve in the body and is joined to the lower lumbar and sacral regions. Pain associated with this nerve can be felt in regions of the lower leg, thigh, buttocks and calves. This ailment makes performing normal daily functions next to impossible, and relief is difficult when patients try to find a comfortable position. The location of the pain varies depending on the anatomical or neurological structures involved. The pain may be described in a variety of ways, including sharp, dull, heavy, aching, burning, numbness, and/or tingling.

During your initial consultation, the chiropractor will perform an evaluation to determine what abnormalities in your spine may be contributing to chronic pain in the leg. The doctor will utilize a physical exam, as well as X-rays, to assess the problem. Then prescribe a comprehensive, holistic regimen that includes dietary change suggestions, regular exercise and spinal adjustments, to help you get better as quickly as possible.

Category: Sciatica