With pain in the lumbar spinal being the primary symptom of sciatica, it is no surprise that patients with this condition clamor for sciatica pain relief.

Sciatica Pain Relief – Natural Therapies

Most symptoms and cases of sciatica or piriformis syndrome heal with no surgery or simple conservative treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. While most people suffering from back pain may be tempted to get a lot of bed rest at home, this is only necessary with acute severe sciatic nerve pain. Muscle disuse with bed rest will only weaken the muscles of the back and hinder recovery, so it is very important to help keep your body active.

Sciatica caused by tense muscles or muscle spasms may be relieved by hydrotherapy or massage therapy. This special sciatica massage therapy promotes muscle relaxation. Stretching exercises are especially helpful in loosening tight muscles. Consultation with a physical therapist may be necessary to determine which exercises would be most beneficial to a patient.

Sciatica Pain Relief – Pain Relievers

Most patients find sciatic pain relief through the intake of non-prescription NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Inflammatory Drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. For severe sciatica pain, patients may be prescribed codeine medications or muscle relaxants or be given epidural steroid injections.

Patients who are leery of the side effects of pain relievers may opt for ice and hot compresses. Cold compresses are most effective during the first 48 hours of pain onset. Pain that extends beyond 48 hours is best treated with hot compresses.

Sciatica Pain Relief – Switch to Healthy Habits

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What is most important in sciatica pain relief is making the switch to healthy habits. Some of these health habits include the following…

• Observing correct posture.
• Ensuring adequate support to the lower back while sitting (with the use of support cushions) and sleeping (with the use of a medium-firm mattress)
• Avoiding heavy lifting as much as possible. When lifting something heavy, the knees should be bent, the back straight and the head tilted backwards as you lift.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
• Exercise regularly. The best exercises for sciatica patients are low-impact activities and leg exercises, such as walking, swimming, and stationary bike riding. Stretching exercises are especially of benefit because they cause tense muscles to loosen up and increase the spaces between vertebrae, thus relieving pressure on the nerves and herniated disc.

Tagged as: Cold Compresses, Conservative Treatment, Correct Posture, First 48 Hours, Health Habits, Healthy Habits, herniated-disc, Hot Compresses, Inflammatory Drugs, Massage Therapy, Muscle Relaxation, Muscles Of The Back, Pain Patients, Sciatic Nerve Pain, Sciatica Pain Relief, Sciatica Relief, Steroid Injections, Stretching Exercises, Support Cushions, Tense Muscles, Tight Muscles