Helpful Strategies To Treat Your Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatic nerve runs from the base of the vertebrae down the rear of the thighs to the lower legs and feet. When this nerve is compressed, the pain is often excruciating. Sciatic nerve pain could be attributable to a range of situations, like pinched nerves, a slipped disc, age related constriction of the backbone, degenerative disc disease, and in some cases bad posture. There are various forms of treatment for sciatic nerve pain which can give you a break from the pain. Keep reading for several of the more effective approaches to reduce your sciatica pain.

Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese approach to pain treatment has gained popularity with many individuals suffering from sciatica. Acupuncture is believed to trigger Qi energy in your body, which helps to prevent discomfort. This must be carried out by a trained professional.

Back Stretches: Stretching exercises can assist to teach your back muscles to properly maintain the backbone. The most effective stretches for sciatica nerve pain incorporate your back, neck and shoulders, hips, buttocks and hamstrings. These must be performed slowly and each stretch should only be held for about 20 seconds so you do not injure yourself.

Cold and Heat Therapy: A cold pack can decrease the numbness, pain and inflammation linked to sciatic nerve pain or sore muscle tissues. Heat helps to increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the area that is affected, and is best used once the extreme pain has diminished. Switching between cold and heat applications gives the best results.

Hydrotherapy: Soaking in a hot tub relieves sore muscles and calms your body. Soaking for approximately 20 minutes to 2 hours helps reduce the pain due to sciatic nerve pain. If sitting is too painful, standing under a hot shower for around 20 minutes will do the job, but you will need to let the water accumulate in the bathtub to cover up your feet. This will warm the venous blood that returns from your feet through the body.

Reduce weight: Individuals who weigh more than they should need to consider slimming down so as to take the strain off the back.

Reflexology: You can do this form of therapy by yourself with a reflexology tool or your thumb. There are two reflex points on your feet, and when pressure is applied there for a minute or two, it alleviates the pain from the sciatic nerve.

Trigger Point Therapy: One more form of therapy that some individuals get good results with is to apply some force to the trigger point region for approximately 2 minutes using a ball or other hard object.

Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the lower body from the hips through the legs. It’s the result of pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve, located at the base of the spine. Fortunately, the condition isn’t life threatening and it’s not difficult to manage the pain. Learn more about sciatic nerve relief at Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment.