Sciatica is a condition where the patient can feel a pain radiating down one or both of their legs, their buttock, or at the base of the spine. Sciatica is caused by stress to the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs through the lower spine and then snakes down the leg. Several factors can cause sciatica and it is important to know what is causing it so that it can be treated properly. That said, here are some courses of action you can take if you suffer from sciatica.
Stay Active
It may be uncomfortable, but the best thing you can do is keep walking, standing, and sitting upright as much as possible. One of the worst things you can do is stay lying down for weeks. This will aggravate the symptoms. But make sure you don’t do any heavy lifting.
Take NSAID Painkillers
If the pain is really bad and is disrupting your daily life, then take NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen. This should alleviate the pain for a short while. But if the pain persists, seek medical attention.
Chiropractor
Sometimes, sciatica can be caused by the nerve being trapped by a disc in the lower back. If this is the case, a chiropractor may be able to get the disk back into place. This will stop the pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is also another option that can be used alongside other treatments, such as painkillers and a chiropractor. It can be effective at relieving pain. This can be preferable to taking painkillers for long periods.
