Sciatica is a term that represents the sharp, shooting pains that are commonly felt in the buttocks, leg or foot when the nerve roots along the spinal cord have increased sensitivity. If you're one of the many individuals grappling with this condition, finding functional solutions to manage sciatica pain is likely at the forefront of your mind. Fear not, for in this blog post, we will delve into effective strategies and techniques to help you unlock relief from sciatica and get back to living your life to the fullest.
Understanding Sciatica
Before we explore the functional approaches to alleviate sciatica pain, it's essential to grasp the basics of this condition. Go see a doctor if you’ve had a traumatic event like a fall and to rule out more serious forms of back pain like tumors, cardiac conditions, and disease. Here are qualified clinicians that can help you diagnose your back pain.
Sciatica is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom of an underlying issue, often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The hallmark signs of sciatica include radiating pain from the lower back down one or both legs, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Here are two tests that can help indicate symptoms of sciatica:
Lie on your back with your legs straight and if you feel pain while lifting the leg with pain symptoms it indicates sciatica.
2. Perform the slump test by rounding your spine as you flex your toes up towards your shins, and if this nerve stretch causes pain it indicates sciatica.
Functional Solutions for Sciatica
If you suspect sciatica, these guidelines can help:
For short-term relief, attempt to lie on your stomach to find a pain-free position. You can place a pillow underneath your stomach for more comfort.
Some people benefit from nerve flossing where you gently “glide” nerves like you would floss a tooth back and forth. If this makes your symptoms worse, stop and try again with less intensity or seek professional help.
For long-term relief, build hip coordination and strength with exercises like the single leg deadlift and glute bridge.
Stop rounding your back when bending forward to avoid nerve stretching, and focus on stretching your muscles instead.
Moving Forward
When it comes to chronic pain, listen to your body and begin to learn about what makes you feel better or worse.
Does staying active help reduce your symptoms?
Does sitting aggravate your symptoms?
These are signs of what your body wants, so listen to them.
It can be overwhelming when we experience pain, but with consistency and effort the path to pain-free living is inevitable! Your path to relief starts now. If you want individual guidance on your journey, schedule a consultation to work with me directly. Until next time! - Tom
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