Sciatica and Slipped disc are two painful and closely related conditions. This occurs mostly in the lower back or lumbar region. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, around the thickness of a finger. It originates from the lower part of the spine behind the hip joint and buttock to the back of the leg to the foot. Therefore the usual presentation of the pain is being felt hip to the toe. There is severe pain along the course of the sciatic nerve starting from the lower back and traveling down the leg
Causes for Sciatica Pain:
- This is caused due to over-straining, misuse or traumatic injury to the back. Injury to the nerve, inflammation of the nerve or the nerve root due to metabolic, toxic or infectious disorders, compression of the nerve root due to ruptured intervertebral disc are the most common causes.
- It may also occur while lifting heavier objects or twisting the body. Keeping a heavy wallet in the back pocket may also be one of the reasons for sciatica pain.
- Improper postures of sitting and lack of exercise also can lead to this problem.
- In some cases this occurs in some road accidental cases or incidences of fall from a height.
- Patients of diabetes often face this problem.
- Pregnant women may also experience this problem.
- Uncontrolled negative emotions and anger may also lead to Sciatica pain.
Symptoms:
1. Shooting pain in the lower back, inner side of the thigh, back of the knee, calf muscle or ankle.
2. Heaviness or numbness or tingling sensation in hands or legs
3. Movement of legs is troublesome and the patient is unable to sit, stand walk or sleep comfortably.
How to maintain a healthy and fit Sciatica nerve
When we consider quality of life we often take our backs for granted. But a physically powerful spine is essential to our overall health. If our spine is not strong, and has incorrect alignment it will affect not only our ability to move around freely but also the communication of the nervous system with the rest of the body. Building a healthy back requires our time and commitment. A better lifestyle, good body mechanics and regular exercise and Yogasans will benefit our back. In addition to specific back exercises, yogic techniques involving slow body movements followed by practices of deep relaxation are useful in maintaining the strength and flexibility of the spine. No matter what age we are, regular physical activity is an important way to stay healthy.
Treatment for Sciatcia Pain:
1. Use hard bed for sleeping
2. Do not sleep on the back with legs fully stretched. Keep them slightly bent and together or sleep on one side by folding one or both the legs.
3. Lift equal weight in both the hands by bending in the lumbar as well as the knees while lifting
4. Always try to keep balance on right and left sides while standing.
5. Exercise regularly. Something as simple as a daily walk is sufficient instead of anything overly strenuous.
6. Maintain good posture especially when you are sitting up straight as you read.
7. Never hold the phone between your neck and shoulder.
8. Eat a healthy diet. Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself.
9. Stretch your spine before and after sports as this will help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.
10. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting, whether in a car or desk or on ground.
11. Stretching and bending are very important for good spinal movements. This keeps the joints flexible relieves stiffness. All it takes a minute or two of stretching each day and the result is just we cannot imagine.
12. Lose some weight. The more you weigh, the greater the stress on your spine. So by losing weight you will have less chance of getting your spine injured.
Doing these simple things on regular basis you can overcome the sciatica pain. Regular maintenance is the key.
Herbal Treatment for Sciatica Pain:
- Put some garlic pods in some mustard oil and heat it till the pods are burnt. Let them cool. Then massage the affected part with this oil
- Turmeric mixed in butter can be used as a topical remedy for the pain.
- Take 10 ounce of juices of potato, carrot, beetroot and celery mixed together .This will help in reducing the pain.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic in half cup of milk and drink twice daily. This will relive you from the pain. But the patients who are already taking any medicine or have ulcers or bleeding disorder should consult the doctor before taking garlic.
