Sciatica is a condition wherein irritation in the sciatic nerve causes the patient to experience moderate to severe pain in the lower back and legs. How to cure sciatica permanently?
Sciatica pain
Pain associated with sciatica can be described in many ways, depending on its cause. Some of the ways the pain is described include:
- Sharp
- Burning
- Jolts of pain
Sometimes the pain is constant, and sometimes it is intermittent. In addition, the pain is usually more intense in your leg than in your lower back.
There are ways on how to cure sciatica permanently. With proper posture, exercise regimens, and a healthy lifestyle, pain can be reduced and eliminated.
Signs and Symptoms
Most sciatica patients recover, often without treatment. However, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage.
Seek a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and to learn how to cure sciatica permanently.
Signs and symptoms of sciatica include:
- Moderate to severe pain that radiates or spreads. It starts in the lower back, travels down the buttocks, and then the leg.
- Numbness in the lower part of your body.
- Difficulty walking.
- Feeling as if there are “pins and needles” in your legs, toes and feet.
- Difficulty in defecating or urinating properly.
- Inability to move due to pain.
Risk Factors
Everyone is at risk of developing sciatica. You may know how to cure sciatica permanently but it is still best to know the risk factors to protect yourself.
- Age. Your spine naturally wears down as you age and your bones lose their strength. Nerves become prone to injury as a person grows older.
- Being overweight or obese. Excess body weight can increase the pressure on your spine. This results in spinal changes that cause sciatica.
- Sedentary lifestyle. The chance of developing sciatica increases if you have a sedentary lifestyle or sit for extended periods. You are more likely to suffer from sciatica if you don’t exercise or move around.
- Diabetes. Increased blood sugar levels in the body can result in nerve damage, making diabetics prone to developing sciatica.
- Osteoarthritis. This condition can damage the spine and make your nerves susceptible to damage, increasing the risk of developing sciatica.
- Injury. Sciatica is more likely to occur if you have an injury to your back or spine.
- Physically demanding occupation. Working physically demanding jobs may increase your risk of low back pain.
- Smoking. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine which damages spinal tissue, weakens bones, and speeds the wear down of vertebral disks.
Causes
Sciatica is commonly caused by a herniated disc. A herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, can occur either as a result of wear and tear over time, or as the result of an acute injury.
The pain caused by sciatic irritation can be severe, which is why many try to figure out how to cure sciatica permanently. Knowing the cause will help the healthcare provider identify the type of treatment necessary.
Other causes of sciatica are:
Sciatica can be caused by conditions such as diabetes or Lyme disease. In some cases, you may not be able to find out what’s causing your sciatic pain.
How to Cure Sciatica Permanently: Treatment
Sciatica often gets better and disappears with time. In the beginning, pain is usually relieved with medicines and exercises. There are ways on how to cure sciatica permanently but it depends on what condition is causing it.
Some ways to alleviate sciatic pain include:
- Sitting less and standing more
- Walking as much as you can without overexertion.
- Using a heating pad every two or three hours for 15 to 20 minutes on a low or medium setting.
- A warm shower.
- Utilizing heat wraps that last 8 hours or longer.
- Applying an ice pack to the affected area every 2 to 3 hours.
You can experiment with heat or ice and see if they help, but there is not a lot of evidence that either solution will work.
You may be able to take paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen to alleviate the pain. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Depending on what is causing the nerve irritation, other treatment options may be available for sciatica.
How to cure sciatica permanently depends on what’s causing it. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest that you undergo some form of physical therapy.
Intravenous administration of medicines such as muscle relaxants, steroids, or opioids might also be recommended.
For severe cases, surgery might be the only option to cure sciatica permanently.
How to Cure Sciatica Permanently: Prevention
Sometimes, sciatica is not preventable, and recurrence is possible. A few of the following activities can help you protect yourself from this painful condition:
- Exercise regularly.
- Practice good sitting posture.
- Avoid sitting in awkward positions that might hurt your back.
- Manage your weight.
- Rest.
Key Takeaway
Sciatica is caused by irritation in the nerves of the lower region of the body. People who don’t exercise, and have conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and osteoarthritis are prone to developing sciatica. Treatment of this condition has a lot to do with alleviating pain. Exercising regularly, having good posture, and taking a good rest can be a good way to protect yourself from developing sciatica.
Learn about other Brain and Spine Disorders here.
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