The painful condition on the lower back caused by a pinched nerve is called sciatica, and it’s a common problem for many people. It can cause debilitating pain and serious mobility problems.
More serious cases of sciatica can result in numbness in the upper thighs, progressive lower extremity weakness, and/or loss of bowel or bladder control (1).
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve extends from the lumbar (lower) part of the spinal column, through the buttocks, down to the legs, which makes it the largest nerve in the body. This is why this condition causes pain that spreads throughout the body, usually affecting one side at a time (2). Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by several different conditions, and quite often doctors fail to notice some of the most common causes. Sciatic nerve pressed by a herniated disk is the most commonly diagnosed cause of this condition. Whenever the sciatic nerve is pressed or irritated by some adjacent muscle, tumor, or bone it causes pain (3). In some cases, a healthcare provider is not able to determine the origin of the inflammation/irritation.The Hidden Cause
Usually, the cause of pain is a misaligned or tight muscle.
How to Treat Sciatica
Like any other muscle, piriformis should move too. You can release the tension and constriction and lower the inflammation and misalignment with stretching, which will result in relieving the nerve pain as well. We present you 2 exercises for piriformis: 1. Lie down on your back and make sure your legs are in a flat position. Pull the affected leg up towards the chest, while you’re using the left hand to hold the left knee and the other hand to grasp the ankle. Pull your knee towards the other leg, leading by the ankle, until you notice a light stretch. Hold the light stretch for half a minute, and then slowly get back to the initial position. Do this exercise 3 times.
Non-invasive Treatments
1. The plant Devil’s Claw is native to southern Africa and has got its name from the tiny hooks which cover the fruit. The plant’s tubers and roots are used as an effective anti-inflammatory painkiller in the treatment of headaches, arthritis, and lower back pain Healthline. This plant can be found in natural food stores in form of powder or capsules. However, Devil’s Claw should be avoided by people who take blood-thinning medications or those suffering from peptic ulcers. 2. Inflammation and pain can be reduced with alternating cold and hot compresses. Hold an ice pack to the affected area, and replace it with a heating pad, followed by the ice pack again. This will improve the blood flow in that area as well as loosen tight muscles (6). [thrive_link color='blue' link='http://www.healthandlovepage.com/top-10-sciatic-pain-natural-treatments/' target='_blank' size='medium' align='aligncenter']Top 10 Sciatic Pain Natural Treatments[/thrive_link] 3. Topically applied St. John’s wort is able to ease the pain. This natural anti-depressant can be found in most grocery and health food stores. You can quickly relieve the pain by massaging the affected area with an oil infusion (7). 4. Professional massage therapists have employed trigger point therapy for releasing muscle constriction. Reaching the piriformis located in the pelvis can be a little uncomfortable, but the outcome is well worth it Spine Health. By combining stretching and massage therapy, you can return the piriformis in its place, thus lowering the pressure on the sciatic nerve and soothing the pain. More treatment options include acupuncture, chiropractic care, and yoga therapy. In the case of sciatic nerve compression, it is important to use gentle pressure, as sudden and rough movement can cause severe pain. If you combine the above strategies, you might ensure long-term relief. Via Daily Health Post
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