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