Sciatic pain often begins in the buttocks or hips. The pain can radiate down to the feet. The reason for this is often a herniated disc , in which the sciatic nerve was pinched.
Sciatica is nerve pain that often extends from the lower back down to the feet. Sciatica can also occur as a herniated disc in the cervical vertebrae. The cause of the pain is often in the spine. Our spine is supported by a total of 24 vertebral bodies and the intervertebral discs in between. Each vertebra has nerves that pick up pain impulses and transmit them to the brain via the spinal cord. If an intervertebral disc has slipped from its actual position, it presses on the sciatic nerve – severe pain occurs. An MRI provides information about an accurate diagnosis.
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Typical symptoms of sciatica
As with any disease, everyone feels the pain differently. Some people with sciatica experience mild pain while others experience severe pain. Pay attention to the following signs of your body and treat the complaints in good time.
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- slight tingling in the buttocks, lower back, foot or leg
- limp
- If symptoms such as numbness and paralysis in the leg and foot occur, a doctor should be consulted. He should examine you because of the noticeable symptoms.
- A stiff neck and one-sided arm pain are symptoms of cervical sciatica.
Other diseases, such as spinal constriction caused by wear or a vertebral displacement, can also trigger sciatica.
Treatment for sciatica
recover! That doesn’t mean you should give up exercise completely. But pay attention to your statements with the movements, they should be gentle. Be careful when walking and try to avoid a rigid relieving posture. Sciatica heals faster with exercise, which keeps the spine intact and builds muscle again. If the movement hurts too much, lie down and rest. Of course, you should also see a doctor.
- You need relief now. It is important that you relax sufficiently and do not carry or lift heavy things. Protect your body!
- Try not to adopt a relieving posture, even if that’s easier said than done when you’re in pain.
- Relaxation exercises will help you relieve the pain. Lie on your back and place your legs on a chair at a 90° angle. You protect your pool by putting a hot towel or hot-water bottle underneath.
- Breathe slowly and consciously, it relieves tension and supplies the body with sufficient oxygen.
- Drink tea or take capsules containing Devil’s Claw Extract. The active ingredient harpagoside it contains relieves pain, inhibits inflammation and reduces swelling.
- A visit to the orthopedist is advisable, as they can use special examinations to find out whether your pain is due to the sciatic nerve.
- Physiotherapy can be another good treatment for sciatic pain.
- The treatment method with an injection containing anti-inflammatory substances has proven itself. The injection is obtained from the patient’s blood.
- If nothing of the sort helps, then you can try pain treatment with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Find out from your doctor!