What is Sciatica?
It is important to understand just what exactly sciatica pain is although it is often confused with other medical conditions and sometimes even used as an umbrella term for anything else that is not easily diagnosed! Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis in itself. Sometimes sciatica pain can be confused with other serious medical conditions such as a tumour or infection so a careful diagnosis is always important. This article will outline some basic facts about sciatica and point to sciatica home remedies.
What Causes Sciatica?
Basically it is severe acute pain in the lower back or it can be constant back pain radiating from the
lumbar region of the back. The pain is caused by pressure or irritation of one or more nerves exiting the lower spine that make up the sciatic nerve. There are many medical conditions that can cause this, for example, a spinal disc has moved out of its original position and can therefore irritate the nerve root in the lower back which is joined to the sciatic nerve. Pain can be acute- lasting less than a month. Chronic pain will usually last longer than six months- the percentage is between 1-5% of all lower back pain cases.
Pain can be felt along all or part of the course of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back, through the buttock into the calf and even into the foot.
Sedentary lifestyle, weak back and stomach muscles are usually causes of sciatica. Obesity will put an enormous strain on the spine and therefore increase pressure on the vertebrae.
How Is Sciatica Normally Cured?
Anti inflammatory drugs and surgery are solutions which may or may not cure the condition. Spinal manipulation, massage therapy and physical therapy are all possible solutions and are sometimes recommended before considering surgery.
Sciatica Home Remedies
What is the remedy for this condition and what can be helpful instead of going down the path to drugs and surgery?
Many doctors recommend bed rest but exercise is usually much better in the long term for healing this condition. Some patients like to rest for a few days after an acute attack but if inactivity continues, this may make the pain worse. It is essential to understand that if the back muscles become weak and flabby from lack of exercise, then they will be less able to support the back.
Weak muscles here will cause more pain than before and will increase the chances of injury due to sudden movement.
Exercising the lower back area and postural stretching can be enormously beneficial. Careful attention needs to be paid to posture and body mechanics to get the maximum benefit from the exercises. Exercises need to be done twice a day and under supervision of a trainer or instructor.
Overall, sciatica sufferers can avoid a lot of agonising back pain by maintaining a support for the back while sitting (avoiding sprawling on a couch!) and maintaining good posture, avoiding standing for long periods of time and using safe techniques for lifting heavy objects. Caring for your back should be an essential part of your daily routine. You can find out more about home remedies and an alternative cure
for sciatica by looking at the link below this article.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nikken products?
By: Sky11 | 28-10-2007
I am suffering from backaches for a long time know. A friend of mine recommended me some Nikken products. Does anybody here has any experience with them? How does this stuff really work?
I have Arachnoiditis and ealier I phased the ...
By: yesyes | 10-10-2007
I have Arachnoiditis and ealier I phased the paralised leg period. Now i am ok but from last few month the pain is starting again in the legs same as before. could you please suggest some yoga excersise or advice me. Also i would like to notice you my one leg is still week than other( look wise)
Back pain mri results please explain
By: solocass | 05-10-2007
What is mild l5-s1 facet hypertrophy?
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By: Lior Haner | 10-07-2007
What is the easiest way to get rid of a headache without taking any pills?
I'm been getting lower back pain (it's most ...
By: floydian1987 | 24-05-2007
I'm been getting lower back pain (it's most apparent when I take deep breaths) of late along with itching sensations around the same area where it hurts. Can any of you out there give me any advice on what I should do or what these symptoms could be from? thanks a ton for all of your support people!
I was recently in a car accident in Cherry Hill ...
By: waltegrar | 06-04-2007
I was recently in a car accident in Cherry Hill, NJ. It was a multi-car accident during a rainstorm. A tractor trailer (semi) truck rear ended me at about 25 miles per hour. My car is totalled. When the police came, I felt pretty good, just a little shaken up. Now my neck and back are stiffening up and I can barely move. I am worried that I will miss work. Should I get a lawyer or something? I don't relish the idea of suing anyone, but if I lose my job, I will be in bad shape. Please let me know what I should do, I am in a lot of pain at the moment.
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