Sciatica is one of the most difficult conditions for medical practitioners, even those experienced in treating back pain and sciatica patients, to identify and
treat. Sciatica often presents itself as a tingling and/or numbness, not unlike the feeling one may experience with a pulled hamstring muscle, the biceps femoris at
the back of the leg. The sensation may be dull, almost an ache, with periods of tingling and/or numbness occurring during certain activities.
Many causes of sciatica exist. Instances of trauma to the sciatica nerve have been reported from accidents injuring the pelvic region, diseases such as diabetes
damaging the sciatica nerve, osteoarthritis induced bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal and tumors placing pressure on the nerve. More commonly, however, the cause
of sciatica can be found in a herniated lumbar disc.
When a person has to deal with sciatica for quite some time the best thing to learn about are all the different causes of sciatica. In fact, many people are rather
surprised when they find out some of the different things that cause sciatica. Even though it depends on what type of professional you speak with about sciatica, there
are really many different ways to get sciatica.
Treatment of sciatica is usually associated with treating a bulging disc. The first line of treatment is usually an attempt to reduce inflammation to reduce pressure
on the nerve by means of oral medications. For more powerful anti-inflammatory effects, spinal injections with steroids like cortisone may be used.
This exercise program is primarily geared to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower back and the legs, reducing back pain and sciatica. The following are
stretches that will assist in pain reduction and relief by removing much of the stress from the lower back, pelvis (hips) and lower extremities.
Natural remedies are growing in acceptance and are usually gentler and safer to use and focuses on other mean to achieve pain relief and help with a healthier back.
While drugs are appropriate for immediate pain relief, reduction of inflammation and relaxation of muscles, it may be better to avoid them on an ongoing basis and to
look for a holistic approach to treating the problem.
Sciatica Symptom:
In the previous two articles in this series we've discussed some of the reasons why we experience sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. In this article I would like to jump
back just a bit and discuss the symptoms associated with sciatica, explain just why we experience this type of pain, and some of the other basic issues often faced
when we experience it.
You cannot begin to consider cures for sciatica without first understanding exactly what sciatica is. That said, allow me to reiterate that cures for sciatica exist
and are available, accessible, and effective as you will see in this article and on the next page.
Sciatica Treatment
Chiropractors, through the use of manually induced spinal adjustments, can often help the symptoms of sciatica. The adjustments, usually quick and painless, can align
the spine and reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. A sciatica treatment usually begins with some type of heat therapy to loosen up the muscles surrounding the
affected area.
Sciatica Causes
Many different sciatica causes exist. Sciatica, a symptom of a diagnosed condition, can stem from a number of ailments. Though sciatica leg pain is the most common
complaint, not all individuals will experience it. For example, in piriformis syndrome, discomfort and pain are most often felt in the buttocks and hip area.
Sciatica exercise can greatly enhance a sciatica sufferer's quality of life, easing pain and creating a stronger, more limber body. Many health practitioners agree
that the key to preventing repeat episodes of sciatica is practicing sciatica exercise on a daily basis.
Some typical symptoms which you should consider when trying to decide whether you may be suffering from piriformis syndrome are pain in the buttock, the discomfort in
the back of the leg described before, and a painful muscle spasm or tenderness in the buttock evident when pressure is applied to it.
Releasing muscle tension is simple enough if you know how to stretch, what to stretch and when to stretch... the 3 essential ingredients for any stretching routine.
Building muscle strength also is simple. You don't need to spend hours in a gym, all you need to know is how to stimulate the nerve and *la*hd supply to your muscles
which gives them the strength they need to support your joints. Exercise just means you can lift more heavy objects.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Its nerve roots run from the lumbar spinal cord located at the lower back extending through the buttocks, hips and
lower limb. When this nerve becomes inflamed or irritated it produces pain that resembles like a leg cramp.
