Sciatica

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Do You Require Treatment For Sciatica?

August 25, 2010

Sciatica is a back problem typically needing treatment from a physician since the pain's generally bad and interrupts a person's everyday routine. Sciatica is the term given to several symptoms that occur when the sciatic nerve, which travels all the way from the lower back down the leg and into the foot, becomes compressed or inflamed, causing severe and pinching pain that can be felt all the way from the lower back down through the leg and into the foot. The symptoms of sciatic nerve pain include numbness, pain, tingling and weakness, are usually felt on only one side of the body. Walking, laying flat or performing gentle exercises for spine extension can reduce the symptoms, although sitting or standing for long hours can aggravate these symptoms.

Initial treatment for sciatica to relieve discomfort along the sciatic nerve includes modifying the daily routine to avoid sitting and instead alternating periods of walking with laying down on a firm surface such as a couch or bed. Inflammation and pain caused by this condition can be reduced by taking drugs containing acetaminophen, which are available over the counter at the local pharmacy. Some individuals respond to applying a heating pad for at least 10 minutes every few hours, while others feel that the pain is helped by applying an ice pack.

Preventing your sciatic nerve from becoming further inflamed and/or compressed, and hence stopping the condition from becoming chronic, may require you to consult with a medical professional for additional treatment options that can get to the root of the problem. Herniated discs require long term treatment like therapy and steroids, if not surgery.

If you have back aches you might be inconvenienced or out of commission. A diagnosis to determine its cause is a valuable use of time in order to select the most effective exercises for sciatica pain.