3 Tips for Dealing With Sciatica Pain
By Stephen R. Farris
When you start to feel pain in your lower back area that radiates down the side of your leg and sometimes into your feet, there are chances that you could have sciatica.
Most people try to deal with the pain by taking over-the-counter medication, hoping that in a few days it'll go away. In the majority of cases, though, sciatic pain normally lasts for about three months before easing up. In other instances, the pain could last a lot longer.
The pain from sciatica can be extremely painful, but there are some things you can do to ease it and it's all in the comfort of your home. Did I mention these things are all natural and do not require OTCs?
Dealing With the Pain
While it may not seem like a great idea, dealing with the pain may involve doing a few simple exercises each day, maybe even a couple of times per day. But first, you should plan a visit to your primary care physician or local chiropractor to get checked out and to make sure there's nothing else going on other than the sciatica pain you're experiencing. You'll also need to consult with them to find out what types of exercises would be good for you to help relieve sciatica pain.
Stretching
When you have sciatica pain, the last thought on your mind is moving around. However, in order to get better you may have to "bite the bullet" and work through some of it. Stretching is a good way to start. Stretching will help to improve your spine's flexibility and range of motion. You can watch your favorite movie or listen to some music while stretching.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Another home therapy option is to use hot and cold compresses on your lower back. In most instances, it'll provide quick relief. Using ice packs helps reduce inflammation. Heat increases blood flow for quicker healing. Remember, use a towel with the ice pack to prevent damage to your skin, and apply for 15 minutes once an hour. With heat, apply after your cold therapy treatment for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.
When the symptoms of sciatica pain develop or don't ease up, head to your local chiropractor, such as the ones that can be found at The Joint Chiropractic. Their staff of professional, licensed doctors of chiropractic can help ease your pain, using an all-natural, noninvasive, non-addictive, hands on approach, by making gentle adjustments to your spine and joints. No appointment is necessary to consult with a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic, and no worries about hassling with insurance either. Just walk right in and get started to become more pain-free.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.