10 Ways To Soothe Sciatic Pain

10 Ways To Soothe Sciatic Pain

10 Ways To Soothe Sciatic Pain

Sciatica is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back which causes severe leg pain. Most often, this is caused by a herniated disk and is very painful.  If youre looking to start feeling better, try any of these 10 tips to soothing your sciatic pain.

1. Massage

Massaging the areas where the sciatic nerves run can help loosen tension and relieve pain and inflammation.  Massaging will help with blood circulation will ease any pain and discomfort. Trigger point or pressure point massage can also be helpful.  Pressure is applied to the trigger point in the piriformis muscle, lower back area, and glutes to reduce irritation and inflammation.

2. Hot and Cold

Alternating heating pads and ice packs can relieve sciatic nerve pain.  Start with the ice pack which will decrease inflammation, then immediately apply a heating pad which will alleviate muscle tension and will promote circulation.

3. Over The Counter Drugs

Painkillers available over the counter are typically strong enough to temporarily relieve the pain.  Pain relievers, like ibuprofen and aspirin, will help stop aggravating inflammation that is associated with sciatic nerve pain.  If over the counter meds are not strong enough, talk to a medical professional to explore other options.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an eastern medicine treatment where tiny, thin needles are inserted into the body at pressure points in hopes of lessening inflammation and discomfort.  The applied needles will encourage blood flow. Relief can come as early as the first session, however, multiple sessions may be required to see improvement.

5. Stretching and Yoga

Tight muscles can loosen with regular stretching and/or yoga.  Stretching will improve lower back support and core strength which can ease sciatic pain and will improve flexibility.  Doing so will lessen the pressure on the backs of the legs relieving the sciatic nerves. Yoga can improve posture and core muscles which can help those that suffer from sciatica.

6. Topical Balms

If popping pills isnt your thing, you can try a topical ointment.  Directly applying the cream, gel, or oil to the inflamed area can relieve pain.  The ingredients found in topical can block pain receptors and will relax tense muscles.

7. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help loosen muscle tension, improve flexibility, broaden your range of motion, and encourage blood circulation.  You will learn specific exercises, stretches, and postures that will address sciatic nerve pain.

8. Exercise

Getting your body up and moving, even though in pain, is one of the best things you can do for sciatica.  Exercising will increase blood flow and will help reduce inflammation. Try taking 15-20 minute walks or water exercise classes to reduce pressure on the back.

9. Steroid Injections

If pain persists and other therapy remedies arent working you may qualify for a steroid injection.  The injection is in the lower back near the sciatic nerve.  The goal is to reduce inflammation which will ease any discomfort.  Steroid injections are limited to only three per year because of the potential side effect of bone density loss.

10. Chiropractic Care

Regular visits to a licensed and professional chiropractor is a great way to get sciatic pain relief.   Manipulation of the spine can create a response in the nervous system that will alleviate pain and help you feel normal again.  Continued care can reduce inflammation helping your body heal. Call Utah Pain Relief for more information or to schedule your appointment.

 

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