Radiating Pain On One Side Of The Body
Rather than being confined to a single area, sciatic nerve pain is radiating.
Pain can travel from the source of the pain across the lower back and buttocks and down the hip and leg. It sometimes makes it all the way into the feet. In some cases, the pain gets sharper as it travels. Typically, sciatic nerve pain is present only on one side of the body.
Origin: Hips And Buttocks
Weve already covered how tight hips lead to low back compensation, resulting in back pain. Tight hips can also cause sciatica due to tense muscles in the middle of the buttocks your piriformis muscles putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This condition is known as piriformis syndrome. If piriformis syndrome is the cause of your sciatic symptoms, releasing tension in your hips will take pressure off the nerve to relieve your symptoms.
The seated hip-opening twist in this video is designed to stretch your piriformis. Try this exercise slowly and carefully, paying attention to your form as you rotate. The twist needs to initiate from your midback. Do not force it, as compensating from your low back could exacerbate any lumbar disc issues. Stop if your pain worsens.
If you feel your sciatic symptoms abate while practicing this exercise, do two to three rounds once or twice a day for a few days to see how you progress. You should also try the hip-opening reclined and seated figure-four exercises included in the full video at the top of this article.
Manual soft tissue techniques, such as massage and foam rolling, can also provide some symptom relief, but the only way to prevent sciatica is by proactively using corrective exercise to strengthen, mobilize and realign the areas of your body that were causing the issue in the first place.
Chiropractic Treatment Of Sciatica Symptoms
The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to help the body’s potential to heal itself. It is based on the scientific principle that restricted spinal movement leads to pain and reduced function and performance. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free.
The type of chiropractic therapy provided depends on the cause of the patient’s sciatica. A sciatica treatment plan may include several different treatments such as ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, , and spinal adjustments . Below are more details on these chiropractic treatment modalities.
In college and during their training, students of chiropractic learn many different adjustment techniques enabling them to treat several types of subluxations and disorders. Techniques vary from a swift high velocity thrust to those that combine minimal force and gentle pressure. Mastery of each technique is an art that requires great skill and precision. Spinal manipulation is the treatment that differentiates chiropractic care from other medical disciplines.
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Pain Management Strategies For Sciatica
Once its determined you most likely have sciatica, you and your doctor will decide together how to treat it.
Initial treatment can include the following:
- Applying ice or warmth to the areas that hurt
- Stretching your hips and legs, particularly your hamstrings, the muscles on the backs of your thighs
- Avoiding sitting for long periods
- Seeing a physical therapist for assistance with stretching, heat or ice therapy, and exercises to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine
- Taking anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication, as recommended by your doctor
- Trying complementary therapies, such acupuncture or a method like the Alexander technique, which can improve overall body alignment
If these interventions do not help the pain, and imaging tests were not done earlier, Dr. Chinichian says a physician will likely consider ordering an X-ray to look for bone spurs that could be pressing on the nerve root, or an MRI to see if there is a herniated disk potentially causing the symptoms.
What Can I Expect If I Have Been Diagnosed With Sciatica
The good news about sciatic pain is that it usually goes away on its own with time and some self-care treatments. Most people with sciatica get better without surgery, and about half of these recover from an episode fully within six weeks.
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if your sciatica pain is not improving and you have concerns that you arent recovering as quickly as hoped.
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Potential Risks & Drawbacks
Creams, regardless of type, can provide immediate inflammatory relief once applied because of their local application. All you have to do is rub the cream to the affected place, preferably, near the sciatic nerve roots and wait for ultimate relief to hit in.
Note: When it comes to risks of using sciatica creams, some of them may cause irritation, skin redness, and rash.
That can usually result because of an allergic reaction that hit in when you werent aware that youre allergic to some ingredients.
Another issue that some people report having is an upset stomach and other stomach-related problems due to sciatica topical medication.
Lastly, creams may not be as strong as oral medication and other treatments like tens of machines, which we also reviewed, so they provide only relief to minor symptoms.
When Should I See A Doctor About My Sciatica
If your sciatic pain isnt going away with at-home treatments, its time to get help. Make a medical spine care appointment with a spine specialist if you have sciatic nerve pain that:
- Is affecting your quality of life
- Has lasted more than three months
- Keeps coming back
- Continues to get worse
Visit urgent care or an emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg, and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
- Pain following an injury, such as a traffic accident or a fall
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Use Ice Packs And Heating Pads
When it comes to relieving sciatic pain, using ice packs and heating pads can be particularly helpful. Cold provides numbing and anti-inflammatory effects and can be used for acute sciatic pain or chronic sciatic pain.
To apply cold, use an ice pack or a package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin towel. Place it on the painful area of your low back or buttock for 10 minutes at a time every few hours, up to 3 times a day until you experience some relief. Ice is especially helpful if there is swelling associated with your current episode of sciatica.
Heat may also help, as it can increase blood flow to the nerve in order to reduce muscle spasms in the surrounding area that could be causing pressure on your nerve root. A heating pad set on low, a warm compress made with a damp towel, or a hot water bottle applied directly to the painful area for 15 minutes at a time every few hours can temporarily relieve some of your symptoms and provide long-term relief from sciatica and other types of chronic lower back pain.
Know When To See A Doctor For Sciatic Pain Relief
If you havent found any relief from the symptoms of sciatica through conservative treatments, your pain lasts longer than six weeks, or you experience numbness and tingling, you should see a doctor. Orthopedic specialists can provide professional sciatic treatment for both pain and the underlying cause of the sciatica nerve damage. Your initial consultation may include a physical exam and imaging, which will aid your MOSH physician in finding the quickest and best way to get you back to your active lifestyle.
Non-surgical, physician-only quick relief methods may include:
- Prescription pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicinal treatment plan
- Steroids like oral prednisone
- Epidural steroid injections
At Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, we understand the importance of specialized orthopedic care by experienced professionals who focus on the complexities of specific parts of the body. Well work with you to find the right solution for your sciatic concern. When you experience sciatic pain, consult with our experts to get a treatment plan for fast sciatic pain relief, correction of the sciatica cause, and symptom management tools to prevent flare-ups and further injury. Contact us to see how you can have pain relief today, or call 414-817-5800.
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Exercise #: Seated Band Abduction
Do 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
How to do it: Sit tall in a chair with your feet about shoulder-width apart and an exercise band tied just above your knees so that the band is taut, but not stretched.
Keeping your body stationary, push your knees out against the band as far as you can. Pause, and then release. Thats one rep. Perform three sets of 12 to 15 reps, resting for 30 to 60 seconds between sets.
How To Relive Sciatica Pain While Sitting
Here are some ways how to relieve sciatica pain while sitting:
Its important to note that these are only temporary measures and that its important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing severe or persistent sciatica pain. Your doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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Tips For Fast Sciatic Pain Relief
If you have sciatica, you know how painful it can be and how quickly you want sciatic pain relief. Any irritation to the sciatic nerve can sideline a person quickly. The sciatic nerve is your bodys biggest, thickest, and longest nerve. It runs from your lower back and spine through the hips and buttocks and branches down each leg. This crucial nerve can be irritated, damaged, inflamed, pinched, or compressed, which in turn causes pain, discomfort, weakness, and sometimes tingling or numbness in the legs, hips, or buttocks.
If youre wondering what helps relieve sciatic nerve pain the quickest, then the best answer is to see a doctor and get a specific treatment plan for your sciatica problem. The experts at Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital can treat sciatic discomfort by discovering the underlying cause of the nerve irritation as well as provide therapies for immediate relief of sciatica pain.
In America, 10% to 40% of people have had sciatica at one time in their life. Luckily, 80% to 90% of people with sciatica recover without surgery, and about half of those patients recover in about six weeks. Whether your sciatic pain is a result of a car accident, an injury such as a herniated disc, or a condition like piriformis syndrome , there are many conservative treatment options to help mitigate your symptoms right now. Here are seven tips for fast sciatic pain relief.
How Is Lower Back Pain Diagnosed
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. To check for broken bones or other damage, your provider may order imaging studies. These studies help your provider see clear pictures of your vertebrae, disks, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Your provider may order:
- Spine X-ray, which uses radiation to produce images of bones.
- MRI, which uses a magnet and radio waves to create pictures of bones, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.
- CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to create 3D images of bones and soft tissues.
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Electromyography to test nerves and muscles and check for neuropathy , which can cause tingling or numbness in your legs.
Depending on the cause of pain, your provider may also order blood tests or urine tests. Blood tests can detect genetic markers for some conditions that cause back pain . Urine tests check for kidney stones, which cause pain in the flank .
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Lumbar Vertebrae Are Vulnerable To Injury
The area of the spine that takes the most punishment from movement and activity is the lower back, or lumbar region. This consists of five relatively large vertebrae. The discs cushioning these vertebrae are particularly susceptible to degeneration caused by ageing. The cushioning discs become progressively thinner and harder, which stresses this portion of the back and may result in a variety of lower back pain disorders, including sciatica.
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Can Exercising With Sciatica Hurt Me
We urge you not to perform any of these exercises without obtaining your spine specialists advice first. Whatever your level of fitness, remember that even the best trained professional athletes exercise under the guidance of their doctor, physical therapist, or other healthcare expert.
There are different disorders related to degenerative disc disease that can cause sciatic nerve compression and sciatica. Obtaining an accurate diagnosisis an essential answer needed before considering any exercise program.
Keep your expectations about resolving sciatica reasonable. Be gentle with your spine, dont push yourself hard while doing the exercises to avoid exacerbating your sciatic pain or creating a new injury. If exercise increases your pain and/or causes nerve-related symptoms such as weakness, tingling sensations or numbness, stop and contact your spine specialist immediately.
Symptoms Of Sciatic Nerve Pain
The primary symptom, as mentioned above, is pain that starts in your lower back and radiates down your legs. Some other symptoms could point to sciatic nerve pain, though:
- Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in your legs
- Burning sensation in your lower extremities
- Pain that worsens with coughing, moving, or sneezing
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should let your doctor know at your next appointment. Theyll be able to provide some safe ways to relieve your pain or some over-the-counter pain medicine. Until then, here are some great stretches you can try at home to ease the pain.
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What Is The Best Position For Sleeping And Lying Down
- The best lying or sleeping position might vary. No matter in what position you lie, place a pillow under your head, but not your shoulders. The pillow should be a thickness that allows your head to be in a normal position to avoid training your back. You might also want to put a pillow between your legs for support.
- Try to sleep in a position that helps you maintain the curve in your back . Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress. You can also place the mattress on the floor temporarily if necessary. If you have always slept on a soft surface, it might be more painful to change to a hard surface. Try to do what is most comfortable for you.
- Try using a back support at night to make you more comfortable. A rolled sheet or towel tied around your waist might be helpful.
- When standing up from the lying position, turn on your side, draw up both knees towards your chest and let your legs gently drop off the bed. Sit up by pushing yourself up with your hands. Avoid bending forward at your waist.
Alternate Knee To Chest
Alternate Knee to Chest
The aim of the knee to chest exercise is to decompress the sciatic nerve in your lower back, which should help ease the pain.
- Lie on your back on the floor.
- Grasp your right knee and gently pull it to your chest.
- Hold for 10 seconds.
- Perform the movement with alternate knees five times each.
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