Pain in the back may be caused by different factors. Yet, how do you know that it is caused by sciatica? To begin with, sciatica is a kind of irritation of sciatic nerve root that leads to pain, numbness or tingling in the back, backside, back of the leg and sometimes foot. The sciatic nerve exits the spinal cord and follows into the lower back way to the foot. This nerve is considered to be the largest one in the body.
The most common cause of sciatica in the body is a bulging spinal disc that due to the pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots leads to the pain. Among other causes of sciatica are spinal stenosis, bone spurs caused by arthritis or injury that leads to pinching the nerve. Sciatica may also emerge due to the tumors and pregnancy. Though these states have nothing to do with the spinal cord the pressure on the sciatic nerve along its length is still possible.
Because sciatica symptom is simply a pain in the back sometimes it is misdiagnosed. However, some symptoms are quite unique. Thus, the pain is about to start at the back closer to backside and later moves to the back of your leg sometimes to the foot. Among other signs of sciatica are tingling, numbness and weakness in the mentioned part of the leg. It is also mentioned that sitting for a long time or standing, and sometimes flexing the spine, makes sciatica pain worse. Depending on what causes sciatica, lying down, stretching the spine and exercising help relieve sciatica pain.
In case you do feel that this is sciatica you are experiencing, immediately see your doctor. The earlier you know what causes it, the earlier the relief comes.
If you already know that you have sciatica than what you need to be prepared to is how to relieve pain caused by the problem. Being ready for it will help a lot once you get stricken with pain.
Firstly, if you feel pain, lie down on a flat surface so that you back is straight. Try to do stretching lifting your arms and as if trying to reach some thing above your head and pointing the toes as far as you can. Sitting usually aggravates pain so staying out of work for some time will be necessary.
Secondly, walk and move as much as you can. Stimulated blood flow will bring oxygen to the injured cells and the process of healing will speed up.
Thirdly, do not drink alcohol and coffee (or caffeinated drinks) during sciatica as they cause further inflammation. Avoid smoking if you do as it narrows your blood vessels and blood circulation gets lower, thus retarding healing.
And finally, apply ice on the areas in pain. This will make the swelling and inflammation smaller and relieve you from pain for some time.
To learn more about sciatica and sciatic nerve pain in particular – please visit this site with helpful sciatica-related info.
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