by Josh Komon

Created on: July 14, 2010

Sciatica.  It sounds almost like some sort of crazy voodoo religion, or perhaps some long ago conquered medical condition.  The latter is closer to the truth.  The problem is, it has not been conquered.  And those who suffer from it know, it is the sciatica that does the conquering.  

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve gets pinched.  This happens in the lower back, and the pain will run all the way down the leg, and into the foot.  The pain, for most of the time, is moderate to minimal, and is often accompanied by numbness in the leg, which can last for weeks.  As annoying as this slight discomfort is, there will be moments of intense pain.  This generally occurs when the leg has been stationary for long periods of time.  Once the leg is moved again, there will be a sharp stabbing pain that runs all the way up the leg into the lower back.  It can be excruciating.  The longer the leg is at rest, the worse the pain.  For example, sitting for 20 minutes will typically lead to a quick and mild pain.  Lying down for 8 hours will result in the worst pain sciatica can inflict.

So what can one do to combat these symptoms?  The first thing to do is to consult a doctor.  A doctor may or may not suggest a visit to a chiropractor.  Some have a distaste for these back crackers, but they really can do wonders to alleviate some of the pain, and get sufferers on the road to recovery.  A chiropractor can reset the back and hip bones so that the Sciatic Nerve will no longer be pinched.  This does not instantaneously fix the situation, but it will help speed things along.

As far as what can be done at home, the most important thing to do is to keep moving.  Those who suffer from Sciatica will become more physically exhausted than they have ever been in their life.  Moving prevents pain.  The only time to really sit and relax is bedtime, and even then, it might be best to wake up a few times in the night to walk around.  Walking helps to strengthen the muscles and work out all the kinks.  Stretching is also key.  Hip, quad, and calf stretches are the most important.  Alternating between heat and ice also works well, particularly with a focus on the lower back or hip area where the nerve is being pinched.  (Stretching after heat is the best time to do it.)  Lastly, use ibuprofen.   No Sciatica sufferer will turn down pain killers.  Ibuprofen also helps to relieve swelling, and this is just as important.

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