Can anyone tell me how can I get rid of sciatica completely? How do I get rid of sciatica?
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Hello, I am 47 years old female. I have suffered from sciatica for the past few months. I used to have excruciating pain in my left leg and back. I am taking treatment for sciatica but I am not completely fine. Can anyone tell me how can I get rid of sciatica completely?
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@maren Hello, Sciatica pain is caused by an irritation, inflammation, pinching or compression of a nerve in the lower back. The most common cause is a herniated or slipped disk that causes pressure on the nerve root. Most people with sciatica get better on their own with time and self-care treatments. Sciatica is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which originates in your buttock/gluteal area. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest (almost finger-width) nerve in the body. It’s actually made up of five nerve roots: two from the lower back region called the lumbar spine and three from the final section of the spine called the sacrum. The five nerve roots come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve. On each side of your body, one sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks and down a leg, ending just below the knee. The sciatic nerve then branches into other nerves, which continue down your leg and into your foot and toes. Depending on the cause, many cases of sciatica go away over time with some simple self-care treatments.
- Applying ice and/or hot packs: First, use ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to the affected area. Apply for 20 minutes, several times a day. Switch to a hot pack or a heating pad after the first several days. Apply for 20 minutes at a time. If you’re still in pain, switch between hot and cold packs whichever best relieves your discomfort.
- Taking over-the-counter medicines: Take medicines to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
- Performing gentle stretches: Learn proper stretches from an instructor with experience with low back pain. Work up to other general strengthening, core muscle strengthening, and aerobic exercises.
Consult the doctor if your pain increases.