What is Sciatica?

It is commonly believed that sciatica is a single condition with a single cause. However, this is untrue. In fact, sciatica is a set of symptoms related to a variety of conditions. These conditions usually involve the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve that runs down the lower part of the spinal chord and then continues through the lower limbs. When pain is experienced along this nerve route, it is termed a sciatic pain. Generally, the cause of the pain is related to problems with the lower spinal discs which extend beyond their normal position and aggravate the sciatic nerve, causing a radiation of pain along that same nerve.

How do I find relief from my sciatic pain?

Thankfully, most cases of sciatica are not serious and, with the correct management, symptoms will disappear within a few weeks. However, there is much you can do in the meantime to find relief from pain, aid healing and help prevent future back problems:

1.Exercise and physical manipulation
First it is important to visit a physician to have a correct diagnosis made concerning your back problem. This is essential if you decide to undertake exercise to help your recovery as certain exercises are beneficial or detrimental according to the condition. Once it has been established, ask your physician to recommend a good physical therapist or chiropractor who will help to physically manipulate your spine and the related muscles in order to resolve your problem. Initially, your physician may ask you to undertake a couple of day’s bed rest. However, afterwards, it is important not to remain inactive as a lack of movement in the muscles will cause further weakening and lead to more injuries. In comparison, exercising promotes healthy lubrication between the spinal discs, strengthens core muscles that support the back, increases flexibility and mobility, increases circulation to back muscles and nerves, and helps speed up recuperation times of injuries.

Ask your physical therapist or chiropractor to suggest good back stretching and strength exercises that can be carried out at home. Stretching will increase flexibility in the muscles, discs and ligaments related to your injury/condition, while good back strength is essential for preventing future back problems and helping to manage existing back pain.

2.Hot and cold compresses
Heat compresses or packs help dilate blood vessels, which then increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the area, so helping it to heal. It relaxes muscles, providing some pain relief and allowing the patient to stretch the sciatic nerve which may have become compressed. It also stimulates sensory receptors, making the brain focus less on the sciatic pain. Heat treatments are best used 3 to 7 days after the start of the condition, when acute sharp pain has subsided.

Cold compresses or packs can numb the area of pain or sore tissue in the back and reduce inflammation. This is a good treatment to use when the pain is at its sharpest. The cold compress can also be used to massage the area in a circular motion, gently stretching and relieving compression in the sciatic nerve.

For many people, alternating between these two treatments at regular intervals provides much relief and comfort.

3.Painkillers
Often the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed because of the aggravation it has received. Therefore, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be very effective in relieving pain. These also have fewer gastrointestinal side-effects than aspirin.
There are three types of NSAIDs that can be used:
-Ibuprofen, e.g, Advil, Nuprin, Motrin
-Naproxen, e.g, Naprosyn, Aleve
-COX-2 inhibitors – these might require a prescription, e.g, Celebrex or Bextra.

You may just consider taking acetaminophen tablets until your pain subsides and your condition improves.

4.Pay attention to your posture
You’ll want your condition to improve as quickly as possible and the best way to ensure this is to take good care of your posture during the healing process and afterwards. Make sure you provide your back with good support when sitting and lying down to prevent unhealthy postures which place unnecessary strain on the back and the existing irritated sciatic nerve. Invest in a good mattress – a firm one – which will support the back as you sleep and consider buying a good posture and back support for your office/house chair or a car seat support. Learn good posture techniques and avoid heavy lifting or other activities which place unhealthy pressure on the lower back. In addition, avoid long periods of sitting and standing which make your lower back muscles work overtime.

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