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Treat Sciatic Nerve Pain
Relief from Sciatic Nerve Pain
( 3 Aug 2010)
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Sciatica is basically the pain which is experienced along the path of the sciatica nerve which branches off the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. Two branches of the sciatica run from the lower back to each side of the buttock, pelvis back of the leg and to the foot. The sciatic nerve is known to be the largest nerve in the body with the diameter the size of a finger.
Sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which is characterized by a tingling, weakness or numbness especially in the foot or leg or both. The location of the numbness or pain in case of sciatica will vary according to the location the sciatic nerve root or nerve, which itself is compressed or pinched. This pain associated with sciatica may be constant or intermittent and usually occurs only on one side of the body. It has been observed that prolonged standing or sitting, coughing, sneezing or lifting tends to further aggravate sciatica. Treatment that is used to provide relief from sciatic nerve pain involves treating both the pain and the condition causing it. this is done through physical therapy, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication. Relief from sciatic nerve pain can also be achieved by muscle relaxants or codeine preparation especially in the case of severe or acute sciatica. Sometimes the doctor may also administer an injection of corticosteroids to provide relief from sciatic nerve pain. This injection is basically a powerful anti-inflammatory which is injected directly into the spinal fluid around the affected area and hence it delivers a very strong dose of the medication to the spinal nerves. To get complete relief from sciatic nerve pain along with medication and physical therapy the individual may also be required to get complete bed rest for a couple of days. This should be intermittent as complete bed rest will not speed up the recovery from sciatic nerve pain but will in fact hinder it as by not using the muscles they tend to weaken very quickly. Hence those suffering from sciatic nerve pain should practice mild exercises which promote healing by increasing circulation. However it is always advisable to contact a qualified medical practitioner before undertaking any form of exercise while suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Usually the doctor will recommend stretching exercises to gain relief from sciatic nerve pain as they tend to increase the paces between the vertebrae thereby providing more room for the spinal nerve as well as loosen tight muscles.
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answered by G M on 3 Aug 2010, 3:53:40
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