YOUR SOURCE FOR SCIATICA TREATMENT IN MCALLEN, MISSION, EDINBURG AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched in the lower lumbar region of the spine. Sciatica is a common problem for older adults, but can also occur in younger people under the right conditions. Many pregnant women, for example, get sciatica during pregnancy. Knowing how to recognize sciatica and where to go for treatment can help you get the relief you need when you’re in pain.
Sciatica Symptoms
The symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain in one leg when engaging in certain activities, like standing, sitting or lying down.
- Numbness and tingling in one leg.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Radiating discomfort down the legs and through the back.
What You Can Do About Sciatica
If you suffer from sciatica, there are many things that you can do at home to help control your condition, including:
Stretches and exercises – There are many stretches and exercises you can perform to help relieve sciatica pain. For example, laying on your back and pulling your knees one at a time up to your chest can help stretch the lower portion of the spine and release pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Yoga – Yoga can help by stretching the muscles and straightening the spine. Yoga can also help restore balance to the spine, just like the stretches and exercises described above.
Heat and ice – Putting a bag of ice or a cold compress on the affected area can help reduce inflammation and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. If the area is not inflamed, putting a hot compress on the irritated area can loosen the muscles, relieving pain and freeing the sciatic nerve from the part of the spine that is pinching it.
Anti-inflammatory diet – Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can also help reduce symptoms of sciatica. Your chiropractor can help you choose anti-inflammatory foods that will help with this.