Living With Sciatic Pain: Managing and Relieving Sciatic Pain
A sciatic pain flare-up can be debilitating and thus it can disrupt your daily activities. This
type of pain is felt when the sciatic nerve, found in the lower part of the back, gets irritated or compressed. There are a number of conditions that can cause sciatic pain including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease and herniated disk. Because the sciatic nerve is quite long, when the pain strikes it can cause extreme discomfort and severe pain to sufferers. Sciatica pain itself is not considered as a medical condition but rather a symptom. With millions of people suffering this symptom, there are now a number of ways to find sciatic pain relief, this include the following:
• Application of ice and heat compress – The alternating use ice and heat pack can aid to reduce pain and inflammation caused by the irritated or compressed sciatic nerve. Ice compress is advised to be used for a period of two to seven days during the time initial flare-up in which the pain felt is intense. Meanwhile, hot compress should be applied to the affected area three to seven days after the pain begun or when the intensity of the pain has lessened. It is possible to use electric heating pads, however, be sure not to apply it to the skin too hot as it might cause skin damage. Also, it is not advisable to sleep while the heating pad is still on your back as this might cause burns.
• Consider doing exercises and physical therapy. Before you undergo any type of exercises or physical therapy, it is advised to see your doctor and have a thorough examination. While doing mild and gentle stretching exercises can alleviate sciatica pain symptoms, it is important that you know how to do them properly. If deemed useful, your doctor will likely prescribe to go to physical therapy. A professional and experienced physical therapist can help prevent future sciatica flare up by teaching you effective exercise and stretching techniques that focuses on tightening your core and easing muscle tension. Building a stronger core will help lessen sciatica pain flare up and also reduce your risk of developing other back-related issues.