First of all, we have to know the sciatica definition, its causes, and the high spot on the best, easy, and modern home remedies.
And then an overview of types, symptoms, risk factors or triggers, complications, and finally diagnosis.
Sciatica
Is a pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve and takes place from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg.
Sciatica often occurs when a herniated disc or an overgrowth of bone is pressuring on a part of the nerve causing irritation and pain and this pain increases when sitting for long periods.
Sciatica is not considered a medical condition by itself but it is a medical problem or symptom that refers to the presence of a medical disorder we should be aware of.
Causes of sciatica
Herniated or slipped disc.
Pelvic injury or fracture.
Tumors.
Spinal stenosis.
Bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis.
Narrowing of the spinal cord.
Idiopathic (unknown reason).
Best home treatments for sciatica
Cold compress
May help in reducing the inflammation and pain to a great extent.
It is used for the first week to reduce inflammation, but you should take care while using it, as it may cause frostbite.
There is a special technique to apply cause it shouldn't be put directly on the skin.
You have to wrap it firstly in a clean shirt or towel and then leave it for a period ranging from 15-20 minutes.
Also, another technique can be used called: ice massage, which is done by freezing water in a paper cup and massaging the lower back with the ice.
By covering about 6 inches and keeping the cup moving to prevent frostbite.
You have to avoid the bony parts of the spine while massaging.
And the massage session occurs within 10 minutes and at least one hour is given as a break between massages.
Hot compress
Is used to increase blood circulation to the painful sites and ease the pain.
It can be used an hour after applying the cold compress, and it can be applied for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
You can switch between the two types of compress and try the cycle of on-off-on-off by alternating between both ice and heat pads.
That will relieve the pain because the hot technique alone may cause swelling in the lower back which may worsen the case.
Administration of Vit D and Vit B
Vit.D lack is related to many lower back bone disorders as degenerative disc disease and this is common in women, especially in menopause.
The main source of vit.D (exposure to sunlight at noon is the best time - eggs and dairy products - cod liver oil and mushrooms).
Vit B deficiency especially Vit.B12, has a great role in the regeneration process of nerve fibers and in repairing nerve damage.
The main sources of Vit.B12 are (animal meat, spinach, fish, and nutritional yeast).
Losing weight
In case of obesity follow up with a dietitian and avoid junk food as much as possible.
Maintaining correct posture
Stretching or performing light exercises and yoga regularly.
Applying natural essential oil products
Apply garlic oil, ginger oil, and fenugreek seeds on the site of pain with gentle massage.
But make sure that the skin in which the essential oils are applied is not damaged or irritated and there are no wounds.
For safe application don't exceed twenty drops in a single mixture.
Using painkiller medications
Painkillers can be used to relieve pain such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and aspirin.
Avoid stress
Making any hard efforts like carrying heavy loads may worsen the case.
Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments
Working with both chiropractors and physiotherapists side by side may induce speedy recovery.
The treatment of sciatica is not standard and stable for all cases, it differs from one case to another according to various reasons :
Severity.
Place and size of. herniated disc.
Age.
Associated diseases.
The non-severe cases can be treated without surgeries by lifestyle modification and home remedies.
Types of Sciatica :
Acute sciatic nerve pain
It can occur by any sudden irritation to any of the nerves or a combination of all of them that causes immediate and short-term pain.
Chronic sciatica nerve pain
The pain has been occurring for at least 2 months continuously.
Alternative sciatic nerve pain
It is a pain that can be felt in the right leg or the left leg as it switches.
Bilateral sciatic nerve pain
The pain is experienced in both legs.
Symptoms of sciatica
Some symptoms indicate the presence of sciatica and help within the diagnosis :
Tingling.
Burning sensation.
Difficulty in walking.
Difficulty in bending and lifting legs.
Muscle weakness.
Numbness or loss of sensation.
Risk factors for sciatica
Age
Age-related changes in the spinal cord.
Obesity
Being overweight increases stress on the spinal cord.
Sitting
Setting for long periods and in the wrong positions.
Diabetes mellitus
High blood sugar level increases the risk of nerve damage.
Occupation
Driving vehicles for a long time and carrying heavy things causes sciatica.
Pregnancy
Especially in the third trimester although it can occur in any trimester.
Complications of sciatica
Loss of feeling in the affected leg.
Increased pain.
Loss of bowel or bladder function.
Permanent nerve damage.
Sciatica diagnosis
Occurs by different methods:
History and physical examinations
Ask the patient to do some exercises and movements like stretching and squats.
X-ray
An x-ray may reveal the overgrowth of bone pressing on the nerve.
CT-scanning
Occurs by having a dye injected into the spinal cord and nerves.
MRI
The best diagnostic test for sciatica is this procedure.
It uses a powerful magnet and radio waves giving a detailed image of the bones and the surrounding soft tissues.
Summary :
Sciatica is a debilitating problem that indicates the presence of a disorder and we found that the main sciatica patients suffer from flexion of the lumbar spine, bending, twisting, and standing for long periods.
Most of the cases are treated and monitored at home with home remedies that are easily applied and low cost as we explained previously all home remedies are in a separate and detailed manner.
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