Relieve Sciatica Pain

To relieve sciatica pain, it is important to know that sciatica is a symptom of an underlying problem. This symptom may be related to the spinal cord or the piriformis muscle. When the sciatic nerve is being irritated or compressed, in order to relieve sciatica pain the initial cause needs to be diagnosed for proper treatment.

Sciatica refers to the pain experienced along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The nerve begins in the lumbar spinal cord, found in the lower back, and extends into the buttock and upper thigh region branching down into both legs and to the bottom of the feet. When compressed, the pain can be unbearable inhibiting everyday activities.

Radiculopathy is the clinical diagnosis term for when a disc from the vertebral column is protruding, placing pressure on nerve root (radicular nerve).

Symptoms of Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica vary from severe and debilitating pain to a short term twinge of discomfort. Pain may reside in one leg or both causing bilateral sciatica. Symptoms vary from gradual to sudden and constant to infrequent. With exercise the symptoms may be aggravated. Twisting actions such as golf or tennis can create a flare up. Sitting for extended periods of time can also exasperate the pain.

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

Symptoms of Sciatica

• Shooting pain behind the leg
• Numbness or dull pain
• Pins and needles or tingling
• Burning sensation
• Cramping in the thigh area

Causes of Sciatica

Causes of Sciatica

• Herniated disc- Once this occur, pressure is put on the nerve root causing the sciatic pain.
• Piriformis syndrome- The piriformis, a small muscle deep within the buttocks, can become tight or have spasms.
• Spinal stenosis- Here the spinal canal begins to narrow and puts pressure on the nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis- This is when a vertebra slips and becomes out of line and narrows the opening for the nerve.
• Degenerative Disc Disease- Degenerated disc impinges on a nerve root in the lower back.

Other less common causes are sacroiliitis, lumbar facet joint syndrome, syndrome, liolumbar syndrome, and lumbar spinal stenosis.

Treatment of Sciatica

Treatment to relieve sciatica pain begins by lessening the discomfort and increasing mobility. Depending on the severity of the pain and the source, various treatments exist to get you back to feeling 100%. With the onset of pain, begin with these few simple steps.

Home treatment of sciatica may be just what you need if you have a minor case. In the first 48 hours, apply ice to the pain to help reduce the inflammation. Begin with 10 minutes on the area, 10 minutes off and repeat for a total of three times. These first few hours are crucial, so start acting fast.

Keep moving, not sprinting, but simply allow for blood flow. Do not stay seated for an extended period of time. Every thirty to forty five minutes stand up and do a short lap around the office or your home. Too much inactivity can create more tightness. Do you feel tighter when you wake up in the morning? This is because the body has tightened from not moving and hopefully once you move about it will begin to loosen. Another option is to try sleeping on a firmer mattress or even the floor if you can stand it.

Do light stretching when your muscles are lose and warm. Try stretching the piriformis muscle, as it has a close relation with the sciatic nerve. For this, sit in a chair with your feet touching the floor. Cross your right leg, so your right ankle is sitting on the top of your left knee. Lean forward while elongating your torso and bending towards your right leg. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat a few more times. Then do the same on the left leg. Do what feels right and stretch as far as feels comfortable.

Whether the condition is a recent occurrence or a long lingering chronic annoyance, call the Running Doctor to find the source of your problem and to be pain free. Call 770-460-1911 to schedule a time and begin a plan that will help relieve the sciatic pain.

Common Running Injuries

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Iliotibial Band (IT) Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Runner's Knee
• Shin Splints
• Sciatica