Simple Ways to Alleviate Sciatica Pain
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | January 27, 2023 | Read Time: 5 minutes
“Sciatica Pain is Worse Than Child Birth. File this under Things I NEVER thought I’d say.” (Unknown)
If you have ever experienced sciatica, you won’t forget it. Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the combination of the spinal nerve roots that emerged from the spinal cord within the lumbar spine (lower back) region into one. The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the human body. The sciatic nerve provides sensory and motor to the lower extremity. When the sciatic nerve is irritated, you may experience symptoms that affect both your sensory and motor ability. Some of the common complaints that may be experienced from sciatica are pain often described as numbness, tingling, burning, pins/needles, prickly, sharp, shooting, or dull. In addition to the sensory symptoms, you may experience abnormal muscle activity such as muscle cramping, muscle spasms, or muscle weakness.
Anytime a nerve is being compressed or irritated it will usually cause extreme pain. Nerves do not like to be irritated. If the nerve is compressed for too long it can cause permanent irreversible damage and loss of normal body function. Therefore, if you experience nerve pain, get help as soon as possible.
The sciatica nerve originates from the lumbar spine (lower back) region and travels down the leg. Compression or entrapment of the sciatic nerve can occur in any area along its travel route. The sciatic nerve can become compressed in one or more of the following ways: 1) inflammation within or around the spinal joints in the lumbar spine; 2) tight or spastic muscles located in the pelvic and hip region (such as the piriformis muscle); or 3) intervertebral (spinal) disc being out of position (such as a disc protrusion, disc bulge, or disc herniation).
5 Ways to Get Relief from Sciatica Pain
#1: Rest, Ice, and Compress
Rest from any activity that causes pain or makes your symptoms worse. Apply ice to the lumbar spine region, to reduce the presence of inflammation in and around the spinal joints; as well as in the areas you are experiencing pain (such as the thigh). Compress the lumbar spine region by wearing a lumbar support brace. Compression will provide stabilization to the lumbar spine so as to not cause further damage to the tissues; as well as compresses the tissues of the lumbar spine (e.g. muscles) to reduce inflammation in the area.
#2: Sleep on Your Back
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees will help to alleviate unnecessary pressure on the joints of the lumbar spine. In addition, this sleeping position will also allow you to keep your spine in a neutral position to avoid unnecessary twisting of the spine while sleeping.
#3: See a Chiropractor
The majority of people who experience sciatica also experience lower back pain at the same time. Chiropractors are experts in neuromusculoskeletal conditions. In other words, chiropractors specialize in the management and treatment of body conditions that affect the nerves, muscles, and bones(including joints). Chiropractors can not only assist with improving joint mobilization through spinal adjustments, but they can also help to alleviate other symptoms such as muscle spasms by providing therapeutic procedures such as – spinal decompression therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, rehab stretches, and exercises.
#4: Eliminate Pro-Inflammatory Foods and Increase Anti-Inflammatory Foods
If the nerve is inflamed, you don’t want to do anything that will perpetuate the inflammation. Inflammation is a normal immune response to an injury; however, prolonged inflammation can lead to other health issues. Therefore, reducing and managing inflammation when sciatica first occurs is important.
#5: Visit the Medical Physician
When sciatica pain initially occurs it can be debilitating, making it difficult to perform complex tasks and you can’t find a comfortable position. In addition, the pain can be so severe that immediate medical attention may be warned, especially if you have difficulty walking, standing, sitting, or laying.
Bottom Line: If you are experiencing sciatica, get help for it. Early intervention after an injury can make a difference in how fast you recover from an injury.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler
