Sciatica is a physical condition that is caused by irritation to the sciatic nerve.
This is a large nerve which runs down your spinal column to its exit position within the pelvis.
It also bears nerve fibers into the legs.
The majority of the time sciatica pain can be cured without surgery.
Relief of sciatica pain usually consists of taking pain killers like ibuprofen, decreasing inflammation, and strengthening your lower back muscles (which can also help to prevent a future injury).
Specific relief treatments include the following*: 1.
Bed Rest Only a day or two of bed rest is suggested in treatment of sciatica pain.
A Finnish study conducted in 1996 discovered that individuals who stayed active subsequent to the start of lower back pain seemed to have far better flexibility in their back area than individuals that stayed in bed for an extended period of time.
Additional studies have shown that extended periods of bed rest can result in even more back pain and lead to other complications.
Complications included loss of muscle tone, blood clots in the legs and even depression.
With this in mind, you need to resume physical activity as soon as possible.
When you do rest with sciatica pain, physicians highly recommend that you lie on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
2.
Ice and Heat Using cold and hot compresses haven't been clinically proven to resolve sciatica problems; however, they help reduce inflammation and pain.
For some individuals, they increase flexibility also.
Immediately after an injury, put a cold pack or compress (like a bag of ice or even frozen peas wrapped up in a towel) on the sore area throughout the day for about 15 minutes.
After a few days of cold treatment, you can start with the heat treatment (heating pad, etc) for brief periods.
This will increase blood flow and relax the irritated muscles.
Warm baths are also a great way to loosen up the muscles and help them regain flexibility.
3.
Medication Medications for pain relief are often very successful and can be anything from over the counter medications to prescriptions drugs for chronic pain relief.
Both can reduce swelling, stiffness, inflammation and even ease lower back pain.
Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any drugs for pain relief even if they are readily available without a prescription.
Some medications can have side effects that you need to avoid or can have negative effects when taken with other medications.
4.
Counter-irritants Counter-irritants are in spray or cream form and used topically.
They stimulate nerve endings, producing sensations of heat or cold, thereby dulling the pain.
In addition, they reduce inflammation and/or stimulate blood flow.
5.
Physical Therapy A physical therapist works with patients to help them retain movement of the spine, and strengthen stomach and back muscles.
Your therapist may also urge you to slowly build up your aerobic activity by walking, swimming or using exercise equipment.
* This article is not intended to treat or diagnosis any disease or condition.
Always consult your physician before beginning any treatment or exercise program.
This is a large nerve which runs down your spinal column to its exit position within the pelvis.
It also bears nerve fibers into the legs.
The majority of the time sciatica pain can be cured without surgery.
Relief of sciatica pain usually consists of taking pain killers like ibuprofen, decreasing inflammation, and strengthening your lower back muscles (which can also help to prevent a future injury).
Specific relief treatments include the following*: 1.
Bed Rest Only a day or two of bed rest is suggested in treatment of sciatica pain.
A Finnish study conducted in 1996 discovered that individuals who stayed active subsequent to the start of lower back pain seemed to have far better flexibility in their back area than individuals that stayed in bed for an extended period of time.
Additional studies have shown that extended periods of bed rest can result in even more back pain and lead to other complications.
Complications included loss of muscle tone, blood clots in the legs and even depression.
With this in mind, you need to resume physical activity as soon as possible.
When you do rest with sciatica pain, physicians highly recommend that you lie on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees.
2.
Ice and Heat Using cold and hot compresses haven't been clinically proven to resolve sciatica problems; however, they help reduce inflammation and pain.
For some individuals, they increase flexibility also.
Immediately after an injury, put a cold pack or compress (like a bag of ice or even frozen peas wrapped up in a towel) on the sore area throughout the day for about 15 minutes.
After a few days of cold treatment, you can start with the heat treatment (heating pad, etc) for brief periods.
This will increase blood flow and relax the irritated muscles.
Warm baths are also a great way to loosen up the muscles and help them regain flexibility.
3.
Medication Medications for pain relief are often very successful and can be anything from over the counter medications to prescriptions drugs for chronic pain relief.
Both can reduce swelling, stiffness, inflammation and even ease lower back pain.
Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any drugs for pain relief even if they are readily available without a prescription.
Some medications can have side effects that you need to avoid or can have negative effects when taken with other medications.
4.
Counter-irritants Counter-irritants are in spray or cream form and used topically.
They stimulate nerve endings, producing sensations of heat or cold, thereby dulling the pain.
In addition, they reduce inflammation and/or stimulate blood flow.
5.
Physical Therapy A physical therapist works with patients to help them retain movement of the spine, and strengthen stomach and back muscles.
Your therapist may also urge you to slowly build up your aerobic activity by walking, swimming or using exercise equipment.
* This article is not intended to treat or diagnosis any disease or condition.
Always consult your physician before beginning any treatment or exercise program.