Sciatica
by Lindy Royer, P.T.
Sciatica is not so much a condition but a symptom that is caused by several other possible conditions. It is important to understand the specific cause of your sciatica so that you can treat it correctly.
Many lower back problems can cause sciatica, which is pain that is experienced in one or both legs, and can radiate into the knee or all the way down to the foot. It is usually accompanied by lower back pain, but not in every case.
It is natural to assume that the cause of sciatica is a ruptured disc in the lower back, but as you will see, sciatic pain can also come from other sources.
Just as there are a number of different causes of sciatica, there are also many different remedies and solutions. This article will discuss possible causes of sciatic pain as well as the more common remedies and solutions for it.
What Causes a Sciatica?
Simply put, sciatic pain is the result of pressure on the sciatic nerve which runs down the leg.
This pressure can come from several sources, such as the spine (links: herniated disc, degenerated disc disease, spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis), tension in the muscles around the spine, or from other sources like infections, tumors or bone growths.
Pain down one or both legs signals another condition, therefore it is important to get a correct diagnosis of the condition in order to develop the most effective treatment for you.
Once you find out what's causing your sciatica, you then must dig deeper to find out what caused the condition that is creating pressure on your sciatic nerve. This is the only way that you can find a permanent, natural solution to your sciatic pain.
Here's an example of how you can develop Sciatica
You must find out what has caused the condition in the first place. Once you restore natural, aligned postural patterns your sciatic pain will go away.
Not removing your wallet when driving or sitting can cause sciatica. Over time, this creates an imbalance in the legs, pelvis and lower back, which ultimately could lead to some of the conditions that lead to sciatica.
Common Remedies and Solutions
What can you do for sciatica? Well, the obvious solution is to calm the nerve, stop the irritation and ease the pain. Traditionally, this is
done with NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and treatments such as ice, exercise and ultra sound.
But this is only a temporary fix, not a permanent solution.
Even if your sciatic pain goes away for a while with this approach, it is likely to return if you did not address the original cause of the condition.
You need a solution that creates a healthy environment for your sciatic nerve, and this involves restoring your body to balance and strengthening your spine so that the nerve heals naturally.
In the meantime, ice in a position of comfort, abdominal stability exercises and avoiding positions that increase symptoms are recommended.
