Sciatica usually causes pain around the lower back and can extend down the lower leg and even to the toes. It occurs when the sciatic nerve is subjected to irritation and pressure. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve we have in our body, which is why it is a frequent cause of nerve pain. Sciatica most commonly occurs due to a lumbar disc herniation that directly presses on the nerve.
What usually leads to these types of problems are poor posture, sitting for long periods of time without exercising or stretching, and arthritis. In fact, simply correcting your posture can relieve sciatic nerve pain. Good posture is also known to be a great preventative measure.
Sciatica causes numbness and a burning sensation in the lower body and is often associated with lower back pain; however, they are not necessarily connected. Sometimes the pain can be so intense that it can make walking a real challenge. It’s important to keep moving, even at a slow pace. Walking is the perfect low-impact exercise for sciatica sufferers.
For the most part, sciatica can be easily diagnosed. A physical exam* can usually tell if the pain you are experiencing is related to the sciatic nerve. The symptoms are distinct enough to make sciatica stand out from other pain problems you may experience in your lower back. If the physical exam doesn’t give a clear enough picture, x-rays and other types of body scans can show where the nerve has become inflamed.
Here are some things you can do to ease the pain:
1. Use hot and cold compresses. At the first signs of sciatic pain, use the ice option: 10 minutes and 10 minutes of rest on the first day. This reduces the inflammation that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. After the first day, start using a heating pad or take a hot bath to relieve pain and loosen your back muscles. This is not a cure, but it feels great and seems to reduce pain.
2. There are numerous exercises that can help you relax your muscles and condition your back to help eliminate sciatica pain. These exercises must be done regularly to notice an improvement, but they can often make the pain go away completely. Working with a physical therapist is also a great option because they will design an exercise program for you that you can use at home long-term.
3. Use ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers. However, keep in mind that over-the-counter medications are not the solution to sciatic nerve problems. It is important to see a doctor to find a solution that will eliminate your pain and focus on preventing future episodes.
*This article is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or condition.