Sciatica doctor near me in Holland, MI

Many people can treat sciatica with a few simple self-care strategies. These include:

- Hot & Cold therapy: Use ice packs to reduce inflammation in the affected nerve and relieve pain. This can be done for 20 minutes several times a day. If you don’t have an ice pack, wrap a package of frozen vegetables in a cloth. After 2-3 days of cold therapy, begin to apply heating pads or a hot pack to the affected area. If the pain doesn’t subside after a few days, alternate hot and cold packs throughout the day.

- Gentle stretching: Gently stretch your back and lower body to help relieve pressure on the pinched sciatic nerve. Do not bounce, twist, or jerk your back while stretching, as this can make the injury worse. Talk to your doctor or a licensed physical therapist to learn the best stretches for sciatica.

- Strengthen your core: Performing simple, low-impact exercises like planks can help strengthen your cure. This can help take pressure off the back and relieve pain caused by sciatica. Talk to a physical therapist or your doctor about what core strengthening exercises are best and safest for you.

Medication can be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. For most people, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) effectively treat the symptoms of sciatica. If you are unable to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like the ones listed above, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also effectively lessen pain.

For those experiencing persistent and severe sciatic nerve pain, doctors may prescribe a muscle relaxant or prescription anti-inflammatory medication. Talk to your doctor about the adverse effects of these medications and whether or not they are the right treatment option for you.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation has been shown to effectively improve mobility and reduce muscle tightness in the back. This can help treat pain and stiffness caused by sciatica.

Working with a licensed physical therapist can help introduce stretching and strengthening to improve mobility in the back while building up musculature to manage pressure put on the lumbar spine. Once the sharp pain caused by sciatica begins to improve, you can work with a physical therapist to create an individualized routine that will improve your quality of life and relieve pain.

Talk to your doctor or health care provider about recommendations for a chiropractor or physical therapist.