Sciatica is one of the commonest sufferings and 90% of people with sciatica will get better without surgery. What you are seeing is true, but prior to that you must know about sciatica, how you can treat yourself at home and when to seek Doctor’s advice.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a sharp or burning pain that radiates down to legs from the buttocks. It is caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of nerve in the lower back.

Who are at greater risk to get sciatica?

– Old age

– Osteoarthritis

– Injury to lower back

– People who are obese

– People who used to do heavy lifting

– People who lead a sedentary life style

– People having Diabetes Mellitus, as it increases the chances of nerve damage

– Pregnancy, but sciatica often relieves itself after birth

While you are having sciatica, your pain intensity will be more when,

– Laying on your back,

– Walking on your toes or heels,

– Lifting your legs one at a time,

– Rising from squatting position,

Pain from sciatica will usually worsen during these activities.

Tips to handle Sciatica at Home

When you diagnose yourself that you are having sciatica, don’t worry. There is nearly 90% chance to attain cure by simple tricks. If you are not sure about it, don’t hesitate or postpone seeking professional help.

You can get Doctor Home Visit and other professional assistance like Nursing, Caretaking at home through Treat at Home. Download our app at Play Store, App Store or just call +9194422 22700 to book services.

Applying Cold & Heat

Apply ice over the pain area not more than 15 minutes. Importantly, ice should be wrapped with cloth; you should not directly apply ice on your skin. Or else massage with ice over the pain area.

Do it for a week.

If you feel better after this remedy, now start applying heat over the pain area. Heat treatments will increase the blood flow to the area which hastens healing and additionally heat relaxes the muscles.

You should feel warm not hot during heat treatment. Ensure the warmness before applying it in order to avoid burns.

Mobilize

Many of you think that taking rest or sitting in the chair is the wisest choice to get rid of the pain. Definitely not! In fact, it increases the pain. Moving your body helps you to get relief from the pain.

– Moving your body improves blood circulation to all areas of body including the injured area which hastens healing

– It decreases the perception of pain

– It strengthens your core muscles which helps you to support your spine

– It increases flexibility and range of movements

Physical Activity

Plank helps by strengthening the core muscles.

Wear Lumbar brace, it helps by supporting your spine.

Stretching your body helps you to get rid from the pain. Avoid bouncing, jerking during stretch and try to hold it for at least 30 seconds.

Place a small firm pillow between your knees when you are lying on the sides and place it under the knees when you are lying on the back.

Finally,

If your pain severity is more and lasts more than 2 weeks, consult a Physician.

You have to give immediate attention, when weakness or intractable pain develops or numbness begins to ascend from the feet to ankles or when you have loss of bowel & bladder control.

Author: Dr. Raji Arabi