If you often feel excruciating pain from your feet up to your thighs, or from your lower back spreading downward, there is a good chance you're suffering from sciatic nerve pain (sciatica). With the sciatic nerve being the largest nerve in the body, it makes sense that this discomfort is agonizing enough to disrupt your entire day.
Luckily, we have compiled a list of ways to relieve sciatica pain, and improve your overall spinal health. Check out the most effective methods for long-lasting back and sciatica pain relief, below.
Unsure if your back pain is really sciatica? Find out!
Regular Massages
The sciatic nerve can be found underneath the piriformis, which is located just beneath the glutes. When this muscle becomes too tight, it pinches the sciatic nerve, causing numbness and pain in the legs.
Through regular massages, pressure can be applied to the irritated and inflamed areas, from the piriformis muscle to the glutes, lower back, legs and more. Massage also promotes blood circulation which will ease sciatic nerve tenderness and built up tension. Regular appointments can help with pain reduction, as well as an increase in a person’s ability to move and function without aggravating the sciatica.
Application of Hot and Cold
The hot and cold switch you were probably taught long ago works well to relieve sciatic nerve pain. Begin by having an ice pack and a hot water bottle close by. Apply the ice pack to decrease inflammation from the sciatic nerve, then follow it by placing a heating pad on the same area to soothe muscle tension and encourage blood flow to the tense muscles and nerves in the back of the legs, the glutes, and the lower back.
Acupuncture
The traditional Chinese acupuncture can help relieve pain, relax upset muscles, and help the body to heal itself from sciatica. Employing needles to specific pressure points on the body, inflammation and pain can be decreased over time. This Eastern method for healing and pain relief also encourages blood flow and circulation in the backs of the legs, lower back, and buttocks. Let your acupuncturist know where the pain is, and he or she will be able to place the needles in the correct points on the body to help relieve pain.
Stretching
Stretching first thing in the morning is a healthy and effective method which promotes tight muscles to loosen and become more flexible. On top of this, it improves core strength and lower back support, which eases up on the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve. Ease into stretching, and never over-exert your muscles. If a stretch increases your sciatica pain, refrain from practicing it.
Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractic relief often provides promising results from sciatic pain. Spinal manipulation can trigger the nervous system to naturally treat and heal the affected area, leading to a reduction in inflammation and restoring normal mobility over time.
ChiroCare of Florida’s doctors are dedicated to helping you return to your everyday life without sciatic pain. Even if you require prolonged chiropractic care, the experienced and knowledgeable back doctors at ChiroCare of Florida are there to help you every step of the way. Learn more by calling 1-877-DRRIGHT today.
