How to Get Rid of Sciatica?
There is little doubt that a large number of people suffer from sciatica, though they may not known how to pronounce the word and may not understand just what this condition is. Basically, this malady is indicated by sharp pain in the area where the thighbone connects to the pelvis. In some cases, it’s literally a pain in the backside. Sciatica can advance to the point that the left leg becomes numb. The leg may even become difficult to move or control (in extreme cases).
Sciatica is a condition of the nervous system. Nerves are pinched, become irritated and may be pressed to the point of creating severe pain. But no matter what the level of discomfort, you shouldn’t just ignore the symptoms. There are some things you can do to relieve the pain and reduce future problems.
The Nerve of It
This condition gets its name from the large sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back through the buttock to the leg. In fact, this is the largest nerve in the entire body. Its size and location make it a prime candidate for problems that cannot be ignored.
*Key: Sciatica is not a disease in and of itself. It is an uncomfortable condition that may indicate or may be associated with herniated discs in the spine, muscle/nerve conditions that increase with age and so on.
People have developed the irritation and pain of sciatica because of bad posture over a period of years. Women sometimes develop this condition during pregnancy, because of the added pressure on the pelvis and legs. Maintaining good posture may be one way to reduce the pain and discomfort of sciatica. Doctors can assist pregnant women with low-level exercise and movement that may help to prevent sciatica.
Things to Try
Modern technology such as magnetic resonance imaging can help identify physical problems that may contribute to sciatica. This information gives us a place to start dealing with the condition. Individuals can treat the symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers. Stronger, prescription medicines may be needed to get rid of higher levels of pain. If the cause of sciatica can be uncovered with the assistance of a doctor, there are some more advanced treatments available. For example, some people find that a herniated disc or other bone malady causes the pain. Steroidal medication may be the only route to go.
If you want to get some immediate relief, you may want to try putting an ice pack of some sort on the painful area. This only provides temporary relief of course. These can be alternated with warm/hot packs. Ask your doctor about how to use these alternating methods most effectively. Gentle exercise and stretching will often relieve much of the discomfort and mild pain of sciatica. Some people have found relief from yoga and other specially designed exercise programs. A final choice: surgery. If the physical malformation is so extreme that these methods don’t work, the individual and doctors may decide to use surgery to correct the condition.
Category: Health, Pain Management