30
Jan
2012

Sciatic Nerve: Helpful Hints

The sciatic nerve is the human body’s lengthiest nerve, which starts at the spinal cord extending to the back of the legs. A simple nuisance on the sciatic nerve brings sharp pain that spreads out through this region. Treating the sciatic nerve depends on the root cause of the condition.

It is important that a patient is correctly diagnosed before undergoing any kind of treatment or procedure. Diagnosis will include physical examinations, CT scan, x-ray, electromyogram and MRI. These exams will aid the expert in knowing the cause of the pain and help determine the type of treatment the patient should receive.

Sciatica treatments are categorized into two types of remedies: surgical and non-surgical. Doctors typically advise a complete bed rest as an initial remedy for the pain, since it has been found that the pain will eventually be gone after a couple of weeks of being well-rested. However, the condition must be carefully looking upon because inability to pinpoint the root cause of sciatica can only result in recurrences. Diagnosis and testing is crucial before starting any treatment. Simple remedies such as rest and alternatively applying cold and hot compress to the area affected can work wonders in reducing the swelling. Remedies that provide long-term effects include massages and stretch exercises, which lessen the probability of muscle strains and trauma.

Regular stretch workouts and keeping engaged in physical activities can also help in keeping your muscles in good condition and preventing it from being strained. Simple stretch and back exercises can help develop muscle endurance. Aerobic exercise such as swimming can also promote endorphin secretion, which can be a natural painkiller.

Below are some exercises for sciatica nerve treatment:

  • Hamstring stretch: People with sciatica can do this simple exercise to alleviate pain. First thing to do is to lie on the floor, grab your thigh, supporting it, as you lift your knee toward you. Extend your leg upward with the sole of the foot facing the ceiling. Hold this pose for 10-15 seconds then repeat with the other leg.
  • Piriformis stretch: This works if you have sciatic leg pain. First thing to do is to bend your left leg. Next, cross the right leg on the left knee then carefully pull it towards the chest. Hold this position for 5 seconds and do the exact same thing with the other leg. Repeat for the other leg.
  • Knees to chest stretch: Lie down with your back and bend both of your knees and slowly bring your knees toward your chest. Try hard to get your knees in contact with your chest. Do this for 15 minutes daily for best results.

Sciatic nerve pain can be brought about by stern medical conditions such as a herniated disc, where mere stretches and oral medications will not work. The only remedy for this kind of sciatic nerve pain after 6 to 12 weeks of proper and continuous treatment. Keep in mind that the right treatment for sciatica really depends on the root cause as well as on its severity; therefore, the diagnosis stage is really crucial.

 

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