Sciatica is a term that generally refers to a lower back pain that radiates downwards to be felt on the right or left leg on the hip, buttock, thigh, calf, and at times, the foot. These are the zones and courses of the largest body nerve: the sciatic nerve. This pain is excruciating and sufferers constantly need pain relief. The question “how do I relieve sciatic nerve pain?” is one that must have lingered through the minds of sciatica patients and we are here to offer help.
Causes and symptoms of sciatica
To understand how you can relieve yourself, you must first understand what can cause this debilitating pain and what it feels like. Sciatica will mostly result from; a compressed, irritated, or pinched nerve, lumbar spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, injury or trauma.
Symptoms will include numbness, a tingling sensation, weakness, a sharp or shooting pain that may increase with a sneeze or cough.
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How do I relieve sciatic nerve pain?
Sciatica can be acute or chronic but mainly, pain relief is offered by conservative treatments or remedies that include;
1. Keeping a proper posture and refreshing it
The spine is mostly affected by poor posture and this can bring about sciatic nerve pain. When working or sitting, keep the right posture. As you sit or work, avoid remaining in the same position for too long. Vary the posture in about every twenty minutes. This will take off spinal pressure and ultimately, lessen sciatica symptoms.
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2. Exercises, stretches, and physical therapy
For most people exercising when experiencing pain is quite unnatural but sciatica research has also proved and suggested otherwise. With sciatica, the symptoms are aggravated by being stationary or too much rest. Therefore, patients need to incorporate gentle exercises or stretches that are not strenuous to ease the pain.
Physical activity will strengthen the spine and also activate the release of endorphins for lessening of sciatic pain perception. Exercises will relieve sciatic nerve pressure. On the other hand, stretching improves the spinal flexibility and the range of motion also builds one’s core and strengthens the spine. A physical therapist can be consulted for exercise or stretching guidance.
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3. Using the heat and cold therapy
This remedy entails alternating heat and cold on the affected area. Placing ice on an affected location will work to reduce inflammation while, applying heat encourages blood flow to the affected area. As a result, this process promotes healing. Muscle spasms that often accompany sciatica can also be eased by heat and cold therapy.
To carry out this process, simply apply cold (ice pack) over the painful area for about fifteen minutes each hour, then follow by applying heat fifteen minutes each two or three hours. It is important to have a barrier for example, a towel when using both treatments for skin protection.
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4. Medical Administration
To offer yourself pain relief, you can use over-the-counter medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These relieve both pain and inflammation. They include: naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and many more. Such medication may bear health risks and therefore, administration must be directed by a clinician.
In some cases, steroid injections may be recommended by a doctor. Such corticosteroids suppress sciatic nerve inflammation, lessening the pain.
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5. Surgery
Whereby, the above treatments have failed, symptoms do not seem to improve, and the pain is very severe, surgery may be conducted. This should always be done after a doctor’s or spine specialist’s advice. Usually, the cause of your sciatic nerve pain will be stemming from a more serious condition like a herniated disc or bone spur.
6. Alternative therapies
These include Acupuncture and Chiropractic care for pain reduction. Acupuncture will entail the insertion of hair-thin needles at specific points for relief. Chiropractic care entails spine manipulation for the restoration of spinal movement, pain relief, and the improvement of function. Chiropractic care may not be very recommended for radiating pain. Both treatments must be conducted by licensed professionals.
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Final Thoughts
Sciatica is very painful but, pain relief can be offered with the effective remedies and treatments above. If at some point have asked yourself “how do I relieve sciatic nerve pain?”, we hope we have satisfactorily guided you through the same. Always embark on pain relief after medical consultation and an accurate diagnosis.
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Would it be a relief to be free from sciatica pain by this time next week?
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