Exercises and Home Treatment For Sciatica
Sciatica can often be treated with exercises and other self-treatment methods as, or even more effectively as with medication, spinal injections, and other doctor-administered treatments. This is especially true with regards to getting long-term results, since medications and other treatments tend to simply cover up symptoms, rather than help to heal the underlying causes of sciatica, such as disc herniations and abnormal muscle contraction.
The symptoms of sciatica are pain, tingling, burning, and other sensations that extend from the buttock area down the back of the thigh, and sometimes all the way down the calf to the foot. True sciatica is related to compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve, most often by a bulging or ruptured spinal disc in the lower back.
Another condition that closely mimics the symptoms of true sciatica is piriformis syndrome, caused by the piriformis muscle in the lower buttock area. Piriformis syndrome is also sometimes called “pseudo-sciatica”, meaning “false sciatica”. Depending on the situation contraction of the piriformis muscle may actually compress the sciatic nerve, or the muscle produces what’s known as referred pain. Referred pain is what happens when someone gets arm pain from a heart problem, or shoulder pain from a gallbladder attack.
True sciatica and piriformis syndrome can both be relieved with exercises and other self-treatment measures in the vast majority of cases. One simple set of techniques is the McKenizie exercises, originally developed by physical therapist Robin McKenizie. McKenzie method uses a simple evaluation system to determine the best “exercise” - really just a position, to best help a given individual. While sometimes called “McKenzie Extension” exercises, because most disc-related pain responds best to spinal extension, not all McKenizie exercises involve extension. The initial testing process determines the specific position/exercise that is best for a given individual.
For piriformis syndrome, home treatment can best be accomplished by means of stretching and massage of the piriformis muscle. One simple stretch can be done by bending the leg and pulling the knee toward the chest, then carefully stretching the knee towards the opposite side shoulder. Stretching should be done slowly and with steady pressure, rather than “bouncing” the stretch which may actually increase muscle contraction. Massage of the piriformis can be done by finding the area of tightness in the lower buttock area and pressing one’s knuckles into the contracted area with firm pressure, gradually increasing pressure as the tenderness decreases and the muscle relaxes.
While there are other sciatica self treatment methods besides exercises,one of the most effective home remedies for disc related sciatica is the use of ice packs to reduce inflammation. While anti-inflammatory medication does help in many cases, ice can be far more effective and does not cause the side-effects that are common with the drugs. It is best to separate an ice pack from the skin with a thin layer of cloth, or a thin towel, in order to prevent frost bite of the skin. For best effect in treating disc-related sciatica, the cold packs should be placed on the lower back so that the pack extends at least one inch below the waistline. To get maximum effects, apply the ice pack for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time, then remove the pack and allow the skin to return to normal temperature before applying ice again. When in doubt, allow about 2 hours between applications of ice packs.
For additional sciatica information, please visit my SciaticaSelfCare.com website. When you visit, you’ll receive a free ebook on home treatment tips, and a free video course to help you etter understand your condition and treatment options.
Dr. George Best practices in San Antonio, Texas. He is the webmaster of SciaticaSelfCare.com and BestHealthandWellnessInfo.com.
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