Sciatic Pain

Sciatic pain is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a large nerve extending from the lower back down the back of each leg.
 

Common symptoms of sciatica include:

·         Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting

·         Burning or tingling down the leg

·         Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot

·         A constant pain on one side of the rear

·         A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes.

For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and debilitating. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse.

But you should seek immediate medical attention if you have progressive lower extremity weakness, numbness in the upper thighs, and/or loss of bladder or bowel control.

 What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by irritation of the root(s) of the lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine.

Additional common causes of sciatica include:

·          Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back

·         Breakdown of discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae)

·         Spondylolisthesis ,a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one

·         Pregnancy

There are few more  things that may make your back pain worse, which includes, being overweight, not having an active life and not  exercising regularly, wearing high heels, or sleeping on a mattress that is too soft. So before you jump on to conclusions check on which of these is causing the pain.

 

How can one handle sciatic pain??

There are few things we should do when we are suffering from sciatic pain.

First and foremost is being active in life.  Take up any form of exercise you like, be it yoga, gym or any other format, but you should be able to do it regularly at least 4 times a week. Because  without exercise and movement, the back muscles and spinal structures become deconditioned and less able to support the back. The de-conditioning and weakening can lead to back injury and strain, which causes additional pain. In addition, active exercise is also important for the health of the spinal discs. Movement helps exchange nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep them healthy and prevent pressure on the sciatic nerve.
 

Secondly you can plan for Massage.

Don't expect a chilled-out spa massage if you have sciatica. In this instance,. The sciatic nerve sits underneath a muscle called the piriformis, which is located beneath the glutes.It is discovered that "When the piriformis muscle gets tight, it pinches the sciatic nerve, causing tingling and numbness down into the leg,". When we  apply pressure to irritated and inflamed areas, or trigger points, in the piriformis muscle, as well as in muscles in the lower back and glutes. It might give some relief. Typically, schedule your treatments 7 to 10 days apart. If there is relief go ahead or else stop it, coz it may not be the right treatment for you.

Third and most important is see a Medical specialist if the pain persists. We should remember that all health tips are for simple pains, anything beyond it should be treated Medically.

----Pushpa Bhaskar