Sciatic nerve pain is an excruciating pain that is a result of some pressure on the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the lower portion of the back and passes through the buttocks, extending up to the undersurface of the legs. In certain conditions, such as a rupture of a spinal disc or the growth of small bone-like structures along the spinal canal, the sciatic nerve has to bear a lot of pressure and this causes the typical sharp shooting pain from the back to the leg on the affected side.
Managing Acute Pain Attacks
When you find yourself in the throes of a sudden onset of sciatica pain, the first thing you need to do is rest. Avoid standing or sitting if it causes you pain, and reduce your movements to a minimum. Lie down to get the pressure off your leg and back. Along with rest, most doctors also recommend painkillers as one of the first steps in sciatic nerve pain management. For faster relief, you should apply a hot pack or a cold pack to the region where you feel the most pain. Applying heat tends to dilate the blood vessels in the affected region and this means a greater supply of blood there, which helps to relieve the pain symptoms. Cold packs, on the other hand, tend to reduce the inflammation in the area which is responsible for the pressure on the sciatic nerve. In some cases, patients receive an epidural injection of a steroid that gets deposited in the area where there is inflammation. This gradually reduces the swelling over a period of a few weeks.
Chronic Sciatica
If you don’t find any relief after using hot and cold compresses, taking medication, or even after 3 months of rest, you’re likely suffering from chronic sciatica. In such a scenario, it is time to look at alternative methods of treatment, such as physical therapy, chiropractic help, or acupuncture. Although it may be painful to move the affected region, the fact is that keeping it inactive for long periods of time will only worsen the condition. By using a variety of movements and exercise, specialist practitioners can help you to strengthen the muscles in the back, abdomen and the legs. As a result, there is better flexibility of the muscles, and lesser chance of a build-up of pressure on the sciatic nerve. In a few rare cases where the body does not respond to such therapy, your doctor may consider the possibility of surgery to alleviate the symptoms.
Prevention is Better
If you know that you are prone to sciatic attacks, it is worth spending some time to review your lifestyle to find out how you might prevent them. Ideally, you should avoid remaining seated in one position for a very long time. If your job involves sitting at a desk for long periods, take regular breaks to walk around. Support your lower back with a soft cushion. Adopt a daily routine for stretching exercises. Make it a point to walk for at least 30 minutes every day. This serves to stretch the muscles in the leg and the back, and also has a positive effect on your health.