The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It’s rooted in the lower back and extends through the rump, providing nerve endings through the leg. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates or inflames the nerve. Bone, tumors, muscles, and infections can also cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve and the resulting back and leg pain.
Keys to the management of acute sciatica include relief of pain and relaxing associated muscle spasms. Home remedies include heat and cold pack administration, over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin, and gradual exercises and stretching.
Hydrotherapy is also a possible treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Taking hot soaking baths has been shown to give some relief to sciatica conditions. In this case, you would soak your body in water that is the same temperature as your body for about 20-30 minutes. After this, you would take a hot shower as you normally would do.
It has been suggested that therapeutic massage can aid in providing relief for sciatica; it is also said to prevent any flare-ups that could occur. Naturally, it is advised that you call a therapist to get the best plan of action for your particular condition. Generally, after a therapist will massage the painful area, it will then be soothed by rubbing the effected area with an ice cube or a lukewarm, damp rag.
It is important not to strain areas of the sciatic nerve through conventional exercises. Pregnant women should also be careful not to exert excess pressure on sciatic nerve areas. In both instances if care is not taken, the sciatic nerve will begin to swell and stimulate pain, leading into the hips.
Keys to the management of acute sciatica include relief of pain and relaxing associated muscle spasms. Home remedies include heat and cold pack administration, over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin, and gradual exercises and stretching.
Hydrotherapy is also a possible treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Taking hot soaking baths has been shown to give some relief to sciatica conditions. In this case, you would soak your body in water that is the same temperature as your body for about 20-30 minutes. After this, you would take a hot shower as you normally would do.
It has been suggested that therapeutic massage can aid in providing relief for sciatica; it is also said to prevent any flare-ups that could occur. Naturally, it is advised that you call a therapist to get the best plan of action for your particular condition. Generally, after a therapist will massage the painful area, it will then be soothed by rubbing the effected area with an ice cube or a lukewarm, damp rag.
It is important not to strain areas of the sciatic nerve through conventional exercises. Pregnant women should also be careful not to exert excess pressure on sciatic nerve areas. In both instances if care is not taken, the sciatic nerve will begin to swell and stimulate pain, leading into the hips.
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