Top 10 Ways to Reduce Sciatic Pain

The discomfort associated with sciatica can be very painful and affect your quality of life. Symptoms can range from mildly annoying to those serious enough to disrupt daily activities. Normal life interactions like sitting, standing and walking can be affected.

Sciatica is a medical term used to describe symptoms (aches, pains, discomforts) of other lower back conditions. These include “bulging” or “slipped” discs, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, etc. Sciatica pain is associated with the sciatic nerve which runs down the back, through the buttocks, and down and into both legs. Sciatica refers to indications affecting the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. Irritation to the sciatic nerve can cause the pain and discomfort we associated with sciatica These symptoms can include lower back pain, burning sensations, mild tingling, numbness and mild to severe pain in the legs and buttocks. Below are 10 simple ways to reduce sciatica pain:

1. Side sleepers should place a pillow between their knees during sleep to keep legs vertically aligned, stabilize the pelvis and reduce spinal twisting at night

2. Back sleepers can use a pillow below their knees to take pressure off of the low back.

3. Improve sitting posture by making sure that your seat supports the natural curve of your spine. Avoid sitting cross legged as this can aggravate the sciatic nerve and keep the wallet out of your back pocket. Your feet should be flat on the floor and remember to get up and walk around often.

4. Maintaining proper sleeping posture will allow spinal discs to rehydrate during sleep and will give muscles time to rejuvenate for the next day

5. Stay active and keep moving. Recent studies indicate this is more often a better treatment for sciatica than bed rest.

6. Exercise will better equip muscles to support the skeletal system

7. Keep excess weight off. Carrying a lot of weight around can take a serious toll on sciatica and back pain sufferers

8. Stretch often to improve flexibility which can help prevent sciatica.

9. Avoid activities that require extreme body rotating which can aggravate sciatica

10. Hold items close to your body and lift with your legs, keeping your back straight

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Contour Leg Pillow Helps Sciatica Pain and Herniated Disc Pain

Non-Surgical Treatment for Sciatica Pain, Spinal Stenosis and Disc Herniation

Low Back Pain – Most everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their life. Other associated pains include burning, tingling and numbness in legs, buttocks and thighs. Common causes of these low back pains include disc herniation, sciatica and spinal stenosis. These back and spine conditions can be exasperated while sleeping, especially on one's side.

These ailments are sometimes caused by robust physical activities, injury, and over-exertion. However, for all of us age and activities of normal life contribute to low back pain. As we proceed through life, our joints, muscles and bones all change in composition, ability and interaction. As people get older, common conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis can affect the whole body. Some can affect remaining life cycles and some are temporary conditions which can be improved with shorter term treatments. Hiow we treat these conditions can vary widely; including surgical procedures, pysical therapy and many non-surgical options for reducing pain.

These back and spine conditions can be exasperated while sleeping, especially on one's side. Side sleeping is the preferred position for optimum back posture and alignment. Unfortunately, sleeping on your side can cause ther problems. Patients may aggravate low back pains associated with sciatica, disc herniation, and ruptured and/or bulging discs.

When sleeping on your side, your legs may not stay aligned, and the leg on top can drop forward slightly, moving and resting in a lower vertical position, causing an unhealthy rotation of your pelvis. This position can cause a series of problems such as:

1. First, extra pressure is placed on the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) thereby causing sciatica pain.
2. Next, when the pelvis rotates (see dropped upper leg described above), a twisting force is placed on your lower vertebrae and discs. This can effect the lumbar area of the lower back region all the way up to the thoracic region of your spine, or middle of the back.
3. Third, the twisting of the spine can cause the muscles and tendons in the back to tighten and place undue stress on spinal ligaments
4. Lastly, Spinal stenosis and related pains are going to be more sensitive to improper alignment and stability while sleeping.

There is help for side sleepers with disc herniation, sciatica and spinal stenosis and low back pain - use the Contour Leg Pillow to help place the lower spine in proper alignment and maintain proper posture throughout the night.

This simple but effective Leg Pillow can immediately stabilize your pelvis (by reducing the twisting), reduce stress on your sacroiliac joints, muscles and ligaments. It’s amazing how much this simple pillow can help sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain.

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Back To Health: New Cushion to Compliment Freedom Back Lumbar Support

Back To Health: New Cushion to Compliment Freedom Back Lumbar Support

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New Cushion to Compliment Freedom Back Lumbar Support

Brand new from Contour Products: The Freedom Seat cushion. It has 7 distinct features to improve your back comfort while seated! The Freedom Seat’s wedge shape restores your lumbar curve and comforts spinal discs, while its coccyx tailbone cutout minimizes pressure build-up in the tailbone area. The cushion’s cradling edge design positions your hips for better posture. Plus, shallow surface dimples in the seat portion and a breathable cover enhance softness and provide better air flow - keeping you cooler.

The Freedom Seat cushion is constructed of highly resilient foam designed to distribute the body’s weight evenly, reducing pressure points on the body and muscles.

It’s great for home use and also for improved support and comfort in wheelchairs, in autos, or traveling.

Learn more about this innovative seat cushion.

• Tailbone Relief Cutout - The "Zero Pressure Tailbone Cutout" for coccyx area, minimizes direct contact between the sensitive tailbone are and the seating surface. This reduces uncomfortable stress and pressure which can build-up during prolonged seating.
• Highly Resilient Material High-Density foam provides better support and even distribution of your body's weight, reducing uncomfortable pressure points around the pelvic bone.
• Cradling Edge Design - Graduated edge of seat cushion positions hips for better alignment and posture.
• Contoured Surface - Curved front design avoids pressure on lower thigh.
• Anatomic Shape - Anatomic shape contours to fit the curves of your lower body for a comfortable seat - anywhere you go.
• Breathable Cover - Soft, breathable cover to ensure all day comfort.
• Wedge Shape - Angled wedge design rotates your pelvis, reducing strain on the lower spine. Helps restore your lumbar curve and comforts spinal discs.
  
• New Surface Dimples! - Enhance softness and air ventilation

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Free Shipping this Weekend at Contour Living

Take advantage of our Free Shipping Weekend at Contour Living! Only for our Back to Health newsletter subscribers, stock up and save!. Hurry, Free Shipping expires August 12th.

Spend $75 or more and enter coupon FREESHIP in your shopping cart. Update your cart and your shipping will be on us! You'll get great prices on back support products and cushions, Contour Pillows (leg pillows, neck pillows and pillows for your bed), wedge solutions like our Mattress Genie and Back Max Cushions, and much more!

Shop Contour Living Now!

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Back Max Helps Recovery from Surgery

The Back Max from Contour Products incorporates 3 wedge cushions which can be used together or in any combination for total body support. Many customers purchase the Back Max for proper positioning during recovery after surgery and body injuries. The Back max is available in standard or deluxe versions. The deluxe version adds massage to the main body cushions and includes a deluxe fleece cover and memory foam pillow.

Here are actual customer reviews provided by users of the Back Max cushions during recovery from surgeries:

* Patricia January 11, 2009: You will not go wrong buying this Product. I bought it due to Mastectomy Surgery and needed to sleep in the Inclined Possition, And could not be more Pleased with the comfort.
I highly recommend this Product. It has also helped my acid Refux issues. It will be well worth your money. Enjoy

* J Newfield February 10, 2009: I am on day 7 of having a full tummy tuck, liposuction and breast lift. At first I was worried about how this system would do in our bed since we have a pretty high bed. I had nothing to worry about. I could not have gotten through without this and recommend it to anyone getting ready to undergo a tummy tuck. It kept me elevated perfectly and I even found that the cover kept me toasty warm since the medicines I was taking for pain kept me colder than normal. It was very easy to roll to the side to get out of bed the way the doctors recommend. The only issues I had were that I liked to tuck pillows on both sides of it for arm rests. That was no problem though. It does come unzipped rather easily and I didn't love that fact but all in all I'd buy it again in a heartbeat and love whoever created this. Thank you for making my healing process easier!

* Jane March 14, 2009: This has allowed me to sleep relatively comfortably in a semi-upright position after shoulder surgery, when I have to wear a sling all the time. I found the addition of a small neck pillow helpful for neck comfort.

I had wondered about the width of the cushions, but as I'm rather small, they seem just fine. A larger person might need something wider. If the system is on a bed, you can dispense with the zipping and position the back and leg cushions at whatever distance is most comfortable.

* Anonymous April 8, 2009: This Backmax is spectacular! I have a physical condition that makes it much more comfortable to sleep on my back. Before having this I could never stay on my back for more than a half an hour. Since getting it I have always spent the whole night on my back in complete comfort. A couple of tips: 1) large safety pins work well to keep the zippered sections from coming apart, 2) an hour glass shaped neck pillow has been a good addition.

* Anne May 17, 2009: I just had knee surgery and have slept on this for 3 nights very well.
To make it work - I need a memory foam back pillow (sleeping on my back would normally cause me lower back pain).
Neck support is a problem. I tried different pillows the first night, with no luck. What works is a memory foam travel neck pillow.
When watching t.v., I just rest my head and neck on it.
When I am ready to sleep, I go ahead and wrap it around my neck, so my head is supported no matter what I do when I am asleep.
The best part is that with pillows under my surgery knee, it's elevated
straight out (the way my Dr. wants it - for the best, quickest recovery).
You do need to use pillows on either side for arm rests.
I am so glad I have this!

* Sherry June 10, 2007: This is reviewed several times at http://www.tuckthattummy.com/forum/forum.php and is very useful for recovering from tummy tuck surgery. Lot's of girls have bought it and absolutely raved about it. Had to try it myself!

Mary Anne October 16, 2006: I have had my BackMax for over a year and I absolutely love it. I use it every day. It fits perfectly on my couch. I work from home as a writer and I am able to work on my laptop (I have it on an AirDesk) while I recline with leg and calf support. (position 4) - I have had 2 major spinal surgeries and this is the most comfortable position for me when I am writing, watching TV, etc - it takes the pressure of my spine and tailbone, and helps to relieve sciatic pain. I love it - The covers come off and wash nicely in the washer and dryer. I highly recommend this product!! MaryAnn H. Pittsburgh, PA

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New Products for Back Pain Relief

These products for back and body health are now available at Contour Living:

TracCollar is a comfortable, portable, and an effective home traction device that provides unprecedented control. The TracCollar is operated by 2 hand held inflation bulbs. Each one inflates one side of the collar and then both combined create an upward pressure on the head, providing traction and relieving pressure from pinched nerves and sore muscles.

Therapeutica Back Support for auto and office chairs. The ultimate in full back, side and lumbar support.

The BodySport Professional Back and Body Massager.

Thumper Versa Pro Massage for back, legs and feet. The VERSA PRO is the best total body massager made! For back, legs and hips, hands and arms, and feet. It has 13 different massage settings, a remote control and 7 auto programs. There is not a massager like this anywhere

Therabath Professional Paraffin Wax bath - Hospital grade paraffin wax warmer for hands, feet, face and body. Therabath has been the leader in paraffin heat therapy since 1962.

Fitball Office and task Chair - Work your body and back while sitting!

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New Seat Cushions at Contour Living

New Products this week include the total comfort pillow, several ring shaped (donut) cushions, wheelchair cushions, and two new foam back support cushions. Prices are great and all are in stock - so act now! See these and other great seating solutions in our new seating category

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New 15-Minute Better Back Workout Book and DVD

Many of our readers experience back pain and discomfort issues. Studies show that nearly 80 percent of all people will suffer some type of back problem in their lifetime. We're pleased to introduce a new combination book and DVD with four 15-minute workouts, designed to improve and maintain your back.

The 15-Minute Better Back Workout is designed to provide proven beneficial exercises, for your back and body, in just 15 minutes a day, three times per week. Strengthen your back, reduce back pain, and prevent future back problems with this book and DVD. It provides:

• Clear step-by-step photos show you the details of each exercise

• Live-action DVD demonstrates all four exercise sequences provided in the book

• Written by Suzanne Martin, an experienced Pilates teacher and lead physical therapist and lead physical therapist for the Smuin Ballet in San Francisco

The 15-Minute Better Back Workout book and DVD is $16.99 - Buy your copy today!

Excerpt from book:

"Revitalizing the Back:

We are living longer lives and we all want the best of health. Regularly revitalizing and renewing the cells of the body by eating well and staying mobile is key. Working on revitalizing the back is one of the cornerstones of health. It enables us to remain active for as long as possible.

This revitalizing program uses many quick repetitions to stimulate the body from different angles. The structure of the exercises forms the basis of the rhythms, which will regulate your breath as you exercise. Notice how the Arm Swing and the Leg Swing both have a waltz-like quality.

Tips for revitalizing the back:

• Each exercise has a natural rhythm - As you exercise, accentuate this rhythm, as if you were showing a friend how to do it.

• Notice how you breath subtly changes from exercise to exercise. Let your body go with the rhythm. Sometimes it even helps to hum along as you go.

• Inhale through the nose. Direct air into the back of your throat. Open the lips and gently exhale through the mouth

• Modify When Needed. You can hold the Prone Rocker position still and simply hold the Plank Balance for a couple of breaths. "

Available now at Contour Living Order Yours today.

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New CPAP Accessories at Contour Living

CPAP Accessories Improve Comfort and Compliance

CPAP Moisturizers, Creams, Cleaners and more!

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you’re probably familiar with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy is a very effective treatment for Sleep Apnea, however, success is sometimes limited by poor compliance. This is usually related to trouble sleeping with a CPAP mask, or discomfort associated with sleeping with a CPAP mask an night.

Many times, it is a challenge to adjust to sleeping with CPAP masks and accessories. As CPAP masks press against your face, it can cause discomfort, skin irritation and drying out of the eyes, face and entire nasal area. Even the CPAP hose can be difficult to control, sleep movement can become restricted and your bedroom environment can become clinical and cold feeling.

Some good news: theer a re many CPAP accessories now available which help with these CPAP sleep issues. Among the most helpful are CPAP bed pillows that are specifically designed to accommodate CPAP masks, improving comfort and reducing mask leaks. Additionally, CPAP hose tethers attach to the pillow and allow for better control during the night, by keeping the hose out of your way. Specially formulated lotions and creams prevent nasal irritation and drying out of the skin, nostrils and eyes. CPAP cleaning wipes are also available which make it easy to keep up with maintenance on your CPAP sleep unit, masks and all accessories.

To learn more about CPAP accessory items, visit our CPAP Supply Category

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