What are some remedies for sciatica?
Question..
I am 14 years old and I have had sciatica since September of 2008. It has been on and off but right now I have it at it’s worst. Right now it has gotten to the point where I can barely walk and I walk with my back hunched. Please help.
Thank you,
Helen:)
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See your health care provider as soon as possible (nerves specialist, such as neurologist).The examination will center on the back, abdomen, arms, and legs, with special attention to testing the nerve function of the legs. If the injury is the result of a fall or a blow to the back, X-rays are indicated: otherwise, they usually aren’t. X-rays reveal injury only to bones, not to muscles. The doctor’s advice will usually be similar to that described above. Anyone who has persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in an extremity should get a careful history and physical examination, including tests of reflexes, sensation, and muscles strength. Nerve conduction studies can help determine how bad the problem is and localize the site of a compression neuropathy. CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging may also be necessary. A muscle relaxant may be prescribed. Chronic pain may respond best to increasing flexibility and strength of the muscles, as well as learning to control pain through mental relaxation and though control techniques. Heat applied to the affected area will provide some relief. You may take acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen as long as you feel significant pain. If significant pain persists beyond aweekk, call the doctor. I hope this helps you. And good luck.
Some tips for preventing recurrence include:
Wear soft flat shoes that provide support and cushioning when you walk. Heels often cause jarring strain on the spine which may cause and prolongs sciatica.
Keep mobile and mildly active. Avoid sitting still for long periods of time as this is when muscles stiffen and the symptoms of Sciatica worsen.
Avoid your pain triggers such as bending over or lifting heavy objects. If you need to, then make sure you bend from your knees, keep your back straight and hold heavy objects close to the body.
Exercise regularly while emphasizing stretches that will help strengthen back muscles. If you find that you continuously feel worse after exercising, you may find that one or two exercises in your routine are incorrect and causing more damage than good. If this is the case, consult a physiotherapist or you doctor for the appropriate exercise techniques to best suit your back condition.
Sit comfortably and maintain a good posture. Adjusting your chair at work so that your knees are slightly higher than your hips, your arms are supported by the arm rests and you are sitting up close to the desk, will help to prevent back pain and stiffness.
Your doctor may also prescribe stronger pain medication or muscle relaxants, as well as ant-depressants that will help you cope with chronic pain. In more severe cases an epidural steroid injection may be advised to help reduce inflammation and pressure on the nerve. These injections are not always very effective and can also cause serious side-effects. Because of the dangers, there is a limit on how many of these injections an individual can receive – not usually more than three per year.
Surgery
In very severe cases where Sciatica is causing symptoms such as weakness, incontinence of the bowel or bladder, or if the pain is worsening despite treatment, surgery may be performed to remove the herniated part of a disc.
Natural Remedies
An alternative to allopathic medication can offer the same benefits without the unwanted side effects. Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies have been shown to greatly relieve the pain and discomfort of sciatica, as well as prevent reoccurrence. Herbs such as Matricaria recutita, Arctium lappa and Devil’s Claw all have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and have been used for centuries in the treatment of backache and muscle cramps. Homeopathic ingredients such as Rhus tox and Colocynthis are also well known for the treatment of pain, muscle soreness and stiffness as well as nerve pain.
You may get details on these remedies over here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/products/sciatigon.htm and http://www.sciatictreatment.com/
you need xrays and pain relief…stay in bed for 2 days only…heat, ice may not help but i suppose to…asprin works
Go to your local chiropractor, he should be able to help that! I work for a chiropractor and we specialize in that! You can also switch back and forth from heating pad and a cool pack but dont lie on one for more that 15 minutes! Also, you can try to rub biofreeze or something of that nature on it to try and relieve some pain!
Helen,
OK, it really depends on how far the pain radiates down your leg. If it only radiates to above the knee or into the buttock region, it is more than likely a spinal/ pelvic misalignment. If it radiates all the way to the foot, it is probably a disc issue.
I would recommend that you see a chiropractor. They should be able to diagnose what is truly going on and more than likely ( since you are 14), they will be able to realign you spine and pelvis and help relieve you pain.
If you or your parents would like more information, please feel free to e-mail me at dare2care@dishmail.net (My Yahoo e-mail does not work).
I really wish you the best
You can release the muscles in your back, the one place that may be doing the pinching on the sciatica. Here is how to do that:
Back:
Place your left hand on your left leg and try to keep it straight. Place your right hand over your left shoulder and with your fingertips find the muscle next to your spine. Press on it and hold. Relax, take a deep breath and exhale and don’t tense up any part of your body. After about 30 seconds there should be a release happening and when it does slowly lower yourself forward onto your right leg. If you can lean over the outside edge of your leg it will be better for your release. Continue holding for a total of one minute. Then release but rest your body there for one minute longer. Then reverse and do the right side.