What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a disorder that's symptoms include
pain throughout the lumbar region, buttocks,
and down one leg. The pain is shooting and
intense, traveling along the sciatic nerve.
Pain can radiate through the leg into the
thigh, calf, or even as far as the foot, and
can range from mild to severe. Sciatica is
often caused by an injury to the lower back,
causing pressure to be placed on the sciatic
nerve. A herniated or bulging disc, trauma
to the lumbar region, sports injury, or fall
can all cause or aggravate sciatica..
Sciatic pain often only affects one side of
the body. It varies from sufferer to sufferer,
and can range from mild tingling to severe,
incapacitating pain and numbness. Pain can
be continuous or intermittent, affecting all
or part of the limb. Sufferers can find relief
using hot and cold therapy, exercise, and
pain management techniques such as surgery
or medication. The treatments, when combined,
can be incredibly effective for managing sciatica
pain.
In
the past, bed rest was often recommended for
chronic lower back pain. However, current
research shows that this only aggravates symptoms
for sciatic sufferers. Instead, regular exercise
and physical therapy courses are often recommended
to help alleviate sciatica pain. Being up
and mobile, walking or performing regular
mild exercises such as yoga or targeted stretching,
can be extremely beneficial for the sciatica
sufferer.
If you struggle with sciatica pain, consult
your doctor to see what options are available
for you. You don't have to live with daily
pain. You may be able to manage your symptoms
with home sciatica treatments and a customized
exercise program.
|
