Sciatica: Pain You Wouldnt Expect

December 23rd, 2009 Posted in Back Pain

Sciatica is a term used to refer to the pain that starts in the lower back just above the buttocks. It’s from the lower back that it spreads right down the limbs to the feet. As peculiar as this might seem this pain is real and it can be the source of great discomfort if you’ve never experienced it before.

There is what is called the sciatic nerve, a nerve that stretches from the back right down to the lower limbs. And like all other nerves it transmits sensations, good and bad. From this vantage point it makes sense that sciatica is characterised by symptoms related to sensation like numbness; tingly sensations and a weakness in the lower back and limbs. Just for the record, the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.

A lot of causes have been cited as the sources of pain but only a few of those are actually real causes. When sciatic pain is triggered what would have happened is that pressure would have been applied against the sciatic nerve causing to swell. So when the nerve is swollen it is only natural that sensations will become distorted resulting in the numbness and tingly feeling. This is the case when you sit for a long time in an uncomfortable position.

Apart from swellings emanating from improper sitting positions they can also be caused by the bone structures in the spinal column vertebrae. When the vertebrae in the spinal columns slip out of position and fall over the sciatic nerve pressure is applied on the sciatic nerve. Inevitably a distortion of sensations will occur and the tingling sensations will result.

Having sciatica is not the end of the world, maybe the beginning. There are so many remedies that have been developed as treatment for sciatic pain. One such treatment is the ice pack. Take a packet of ice cubes from the fridge or buy one from a garage. Proceed to rub the entire pack in areas of your back and limbs where you feel the most pain. Do this for a good 10-15 minutes and wait for a while to observe the marked change; you’ll be feeling a whole lot better if you do this three times a day.

And just like the ice-pack you can use the heat pack. The heat pack works in a similar fashion with the ice-pack, only difference is that you use hot water in a waterproof container. Same procedure applies as with the ice-pack.

If both of the listed treatments have not worked for you your best bet is a massage carried out by a professional. A massage balances out tension and distributes it even around the back resulting in mild ain relief. What’s more is that a massage results in the release of feel good hormones that will completely wash away the pain. Acupuncture works in a similar way, only difference is tiny hair like needles are pressed into painful areas.

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categories: sciatica,back pain,low back pain,herniated disc,alternative medicine,medicine,chiropractic,physical therapy

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