Techniques for Coping with Sciatica
Sciatica pain stems from the sciatic nerve—the body’s largest nerve—which runs from the lower spine down through the legs and into the feet. When the muscles in your back get tight, this nerve can become irritated, or even damaged, causing pain, numbness or tingling in the lower back or legs. It can also be triggered from an underlying issue such as a herniated disc, bone spur or spinal stenosis.
Visit the ISPM Pain Doctors for sciatica treatment—we will make a proper diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan just for you.
Dealing with chronic sciatica pain, whether it’s a mild pain that comes and goes or steady and sometimes debilitating pain, we have a few techniques to help you cope.
Practice good posture
Many of us sit at a desk and work most of the day. Sitting causes stress on our lower back, putting extra presser on the sciatic nerve. Practicing good posture on a regular basis can prevent the pinching and irritation of this nerve. Here’s a few tips to help you manage sitting for long periods of time:
· Sit with your back fully pressed up against the back of a chair. Make sure your feet are completely touching the floor.
· Place a book on the floor to elevate your knees while sitting.
· Take intermittent breaks from sitting by getting up and walking around for 5 minutes.
· Try a standing desk where you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Heating pads & cooling packs
Cold and heat treatment for sciatica is cheap, easy and sometimes highly effective when you’re in a pinch for relief. A cold compress can reduce inflammation of the sciatic nerve, while heating pads work to increase blood flow to the area where you’re experiencing pain. Try using a combination of both hot and cold packs and see when you’re finding the most relief.
Get moving
Extended periods of inactivity can cause sciatica pain to worsen. Get moving by implementing an exercise routine. Even light physical activity such as walking can release enough endorphins and reduce inflammation around your sciatic nerve roots. Schedule time in your day to do simple stretches or to use a foam roller—this can also help to loosen tight muscles—keeping sciatica flair ups at bay. If you experience severe sciatica pain, water aerobics might be an activity to try since it’s gentler on your back and joints.
Visit Interventional Spine and pain management
The doctors at ISPM understand that sciatica is painful and frustrating! Our physicians will perform a comprehensive physical exam, make a proper diagnosis and create a customized sciatic treatment plan to relieve your pain. Below are just a few common sciatica treatments:
· Lifestyle alternations
· Physical therapy
· Pain medications
· Spinal cord stimulation therapy
Sciatica treatment at ISPM
Experiencing Sciatica pain? Set up a consultation at our Pain management clinic to get started on your journey to living pain free! We have convenient locations throughout the Utah area at Bountiful, Murray, Ogden and Providence.
Get in touch with us by calling 801-262-7246
Disclaimer: You should always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider before beginning any exercise program. The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice, nor does reading or accessing this information create a patient-provider relationship. Comments that you post will be shared with all visitors to this page. All comments are not governed by HIPAA and you should not post any private health information.