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Fighting Against Sciatica
Fighting against sciatica is one of the most common rheumatic diseases. More than anyone will remember, and not precisely for the better, that pain that radiates throughout the leg from the lower back. It is a pain (sometimes unbearable) that prevents us from moving, even walking or walking, and in the worst case, it does not even let us sleep. Therefore, it is vital to know the symptoms of sciatica so that as soon as it appears, we go to the specialist so that he can give us the appropriate treatment. There are at least five types of medical treatments in addition to a series of habits or “home remedies” that can relieve that (annoying) pain or not make it worse.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Fighting Against Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease but a syndrome caused by other problems. According to Top Doctors, five causes could be behind it: herniated disc; spine stenosis; piriformis syndrome, which is often confused with sciatica; an injury or fracture of the pelvis; or tumors.
Pain is the main symptom of sciatica, but that mild pain can escalate into intense, unbearable pain that could make it difficult for you to carry out any movement or walk, for example. Still, it can also appear in other ways, for instance, with a tingling sensation in the legs, calves, and feet. Numbness is another of the symptoms of sciatica and can benefits notice in those areas where you see more pain and tingling. Or muscle weakness to the point of being unable to move it quickly.
Exercises to Cure Fighting Against Sciatica
Experts recommend home exercises to improve sciatica symptoms. It is the part of the treatment that will help the most with the health. “Many people with sciatica lie in bed to rest or lean back in a comfortable chair, thinking it will help to heal. It doesn’t!” warn Harvard. Experts warn that the problem will worsen if movements do not start after a few days.
Spending a lot of time sitting is not good and increases the risk of worsening sciatica. In addition, doing physical exercise reduces the perception of pain and the possibility of that pain returning. However, they clarify that it is good to rest a little during the first days to avoid suffering.
What are the Recommended Exercises to Relieve Sciatica?
- Stretch your muscles because that will help your spine get stronger
- Improve flexibility and increase range of motion.
- Exercises improve blood circulation because by bringing blood to all parts of the body, healing will be accelerated.
Hot and Cold Therapies to cure Sciatica
Experts say that both hot and cold packs can help improve. But each thing in due time. Specialists say that ice is best for the first week. With the cold in the lower back, the inflammation of the sciatic nerve will be reduced. It must be remembered that these solutions should not be applied directly to the skin because they will cause problems. It is best to wrap the device in a towel and not exceed 20 minutes of application. Harvard experts recommend alternating cycles with ice on the lower back for about 15 minutes and another 15 without anything to complete a round of between 75 and 100 minutes. By then, improvements should have been observed.
Sciatica and Physiotherapy
Sciatica is the term rummage-sale to describe the involvement of the sciatic nerve. The RAE defines it as the “thickest nerve in the body, termination of the sacral plexus, which distribute in the posterior muscles of the thigh, in those of the leg and the skin of this and the foot”. This structure is responsible for innervating the muscles of the posterior aspect of the thigh, the posters-external aspect of the leg, and the foot, which means that your injury manifests symptoms at these levels. Therefore, sciatica is one of Spain’s most common causes of sick leave. Our physiotherapist Elsa Mallory tells us the reasons that cause this well-known pathology.
Symptoms and Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain
- Pain, heaviness, and tingling in the back of the lower limb, from the lower back to the foot (it can end in the buttock, knee, or foot).
- Functional impotence both for knee flexion (depending on the level of the injury) and for dorsiflexion of the foot, which gives rise to the characteristic “steppage gait” (the toe of the foot cannot raise and to avoid dragging it flexes the knee).
- Altered sensitivity in the area innervated by the nerve.
The origin of this pathology found at different levels of the sciatic nerve, and depending on this level, the symptoms will be one or the other. First, at the lumbar level, due to disc herniation (90%), vertebral stenosis, spondylolisthesis, diarthrosis, alteration of physiological curves or trauma. At the gluteal level, due to compression of the nerve by the piriformis musculature (piriformis syndrome), pelvic trauma, and hip or femur fractures.
Tips to Treat Fighting Against Sciatica
- To relieve the pain caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, I recommend the following:
- Maintain rest only during the first days.
- Perform physical activity, such as walking for 20-30 minutes.
- Apply heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Strengthen the muscles of both the spine and the abdominals.
- Try to maintain correct posture in the area, both standing and sitting, avoiding long periods in one position or another.
- Avoid loads on the back; if they carry out, place your back straight and bend your knees.
- It stretches the affected muscles, mainly of the pyramidal and hamstrings and, generally, the entire lower limb.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Fighting Against Sciatica
There is a wide range of non-surgical treatment options for sciatica relieve pain cause by nerve root compression. One or a mixture of the following treatments and a specific exercise program recommend.
Heat and Ice
Heat or ice packs are easy to find for acute sciatic pain and can help relieve leg pain, especially in the early stages. Ice or heat usually apply for about 20 minutes and repeat every two hours. Most people use ice first, but some find warmth more soothing. The two can alternat.
Sciatic Pain Medications
Prescription or over-the-counter medications can also help relieve sciatica. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or COX-2 inhibitors) or oral corticosteroids may help reduce the inflammation that is often a contributing factor in sciatic pain.
Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Sciatica
If the sciatic pain is severe, an epidural corticosteroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation. An epidural infusion, unlike oral medications, injects corticosteroids directly into the painful area around the sciatic nerve to help reduce inflammation that may be causing the pain. Although its effects are often temporary (producing pain relief lasting as little as a week or up to a year), and it doesn’t work for everyone, an epidural corticosteroid injection can effectively relieve acute sciatic pain. In addition, it has the advantage that it can produce enough relief to allow the patient to improve with a conditioning and exercise program.
Tips to Avoid Burns and Other Problems Resulting from Poor Application of Heat
- Always use a garment as a barrier between the heat source and the body.
- Check that the treatment generates warmth, not burning. “If it’s uncomfortable warmth, it’s too hot,” experts warn.
- The heat must apply for at least 15 minutes but never exceed two hours. The duration must adjust to the level of heat.
- If a heating bag or blanket use, avoid falling asleep while the heat apply.
Conclusion
Are you experiencing a series of lower back pains. If that radiate from the region of the back to the legs or the feet? Well, you could be a victim of sciatica. Medical studies have described sciatica as a nerve pain that causes constant or intermittent pain and discomfort. In with effects ranging from sensations of warmth or dampness in the thigh region to shooting pain in the leg area. In other cases, the pain can present with severe effects and remain persistent for more than three months under conservative treatment (also known as non-invasive treatments).