SCIATICA

 

SCIATICA

Throbbing or shooting pain that radiates down one leg or both legs is the hallmark of sciatica. The sciatic nerves, which begin at the base of the spinal cord and end in the feet, are the largest nerves in the body. Pressure on a disk in the lower back or a ruptured disk can produce sciatica, which is sometimes accompanied by numbness and weakness. Other causes include osteoarthritis and tumors.

ORTHODOX MEDICINE:

Painkillers, muscle relaxants, and anti- inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.

Bed rest for two or three days is recommended for acute sciatic pain, which often subsides within six weeks. Physiotherapy is often prescribed.

COMMONSENSE CARE:

To reduce pain, ice the affected area several times daily for two or three day. Afterward, a heating pad or hot water bottle may bring relief. Certain exercises can ease the sciatic pain;walking and swimming are commonly recommended. |Prolonged periods of sitting, especially in chairs that lack adequate back support, can add to your discomfort. Rocking chairs and those with adjustable backs and arm supports are best. Make sure that your posture is correct; slouching can strain the lower back. Practice relaxation techniques if you are under a lot of stress.

NATURAL MEDICINE THERAPIES:

- ACUPUNCTURE: Points along the urinary bladder, gallbladder, governing vessel, and large intestine meridians may be stimulated to relieve pain.

- CHIROPRACTIC:  A practitioner  may ease pain with spinal manipulation and prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises for preventing recurrences. 

- HOMEOPATHY: Colocynth is recommended for pain that gets worse in cold, damp weather sciatic pain extends to the knee or heel. Aconite may be prescribed when the pain is excruciating and the condition prompts fear and anxiety. Magnesia phosphorica may be suggested for intermittent spasms and overall weakness.

- HYDROTHERAPY: A hot - water pack on the lower back may relieve pain. Alternating heat treatment with ice packs may help. Swimming and other water exercises in a warm pool are often suggested.

- MASSAGE: A therapist may treat the entire back, then apply a variety of massage techniques to the lower back, buttocks, thighs and back of the knee. Massage techniques can help muscles, thus alleviating pain.

- REFLEXOLOGY: Stimulating points for the hip and sciatic area, lymphatic groin area, and lower back may relieve pain.

- SHIATSU; Pressing on the bladder meridian and at several points on the outside and back of the leg can bring relief.

- VITAMIN THERAPY: Supplements of vitamin B complex may be recommended for nervous system functioning, as well as thiamin.Inadequate thiamin may erode the sheaths that cover nerve ending, exacerbating sciatic pain.