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Sciatica Sufferer? Three Important Things You Probably Did Not Know

11 December 2015

Greg Jacobs

If you are suffer the discomfort of sciatica pain, you are not alone. In fact, statistics show that it is or will be a problem shared by some 15 to 40 percent of the adult population at some point in life. However, even though sciatica pain is extremely common, many of those afflicted have little factual information about it.

Fact One: Sciatica Pain is Symptom of a Medical Condition

Sciatica pain is not an actual medical condition. Instead, it is one of a group of several symptoms caused by some type of spinal injury or condition that affects the sciatic nerve. Additional symptoms often include some combination of burning, tingling, numbness, weakness and lessened or lack of sensation in one or more affected areas, usually the lower back, one or both buttocks and one leg. Common causes of sciatica pain include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease and even tumors of the spine, so it is important to take sciatica pain seriously and seek medical care.

Fact Two: Rest & Inactivity Can Worsen the Pain

When sciatica pain strikes, relief is often found by sitting or lying down. While brief periods of rest are fine, allowing sciatica pain to cause you to become sedentary can result in even more discomfort. Lack of exercise allows the core muscles that support your spine to lose strength and flexibility, resulting in increased stress on the spine and potentially higher levels of sciatica pain. Simple stretching movements such as those used in some yoga moves, along with core-strengthening exercises are often helpful in reducing the level of sciatica pain and limiting future recurrences. Remember to discuss your exercise routine with your doctor to make sure it is safe.

Fact Three: Surgery is Not Usually the Answer

Sciatica sufferers often fear that extensive spinal surgery is their only option for permanent pain relief, but this is usually not the case. In fact, surgery is typically only used after non-invasive methods have proven ineffective. Most sciatica pain sufferers can successfully avoid surgery by learning to manage their pain using a combination of one or more of the following:

• anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen
• physical therapy
• conditioning and stretching exercises
• massage therapy

Massage therapy, including therapeutic massage techniques, are known to help relax constricted muscles and improve circulation in the affected area. In some instances, specialized massage techniques can also be helpful in relieving sciatica pain, including the application or heat or cold to the affected areas.

Before undergoing any therapeutic massage treatment, be sure to let your professional massage therapist know about your diagnosis, treatment plan and your current pain level so they can customize the therapy to better fit your individual needs. For more information, contact a company like Mana Massage.

 

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