When a nerve becomes pinched in the lower back, sciatica pain can begin to develop and is often present in the legs from the buttocks to the feet. The pain is described as being worse than back pain and can often be debilitating while limiting mobility. Although surgery is an option for many people, there are a number of treatment methods that are available for long-term relief.
1. Get Adjusted at a Chiropractor
A spinal manipulation is a viable option for sciatica treatment by visiting a chiropractor three to four times a week until relief is obtained. This can cause the nervous system to respond with benefits that last for a year for mobility that is restored throughout the body. A professional chiropractor will be able to increase the alignment of the spine to prevent the nerve from being pinched. Patients who have undergone chiropractic care have also experienced relief for sciatica pain with reduced inflammation and pain.
2. Yoga
More people are learning the benefits of yoga to treat sciatrica pain, which is known to offer relief after just four months of practicing the technique each day. Yoga can relieve sciatica pain by improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles with movements that are gentle on the body.
3. NSAIDs and Anti-inflammatory Supplements
Those who want immediate relief for the pain can talk to their physician abou taking NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory supplements each day. Other options include curcumin and fish oil, which are known to reduce discomfort and inflammation that may be present in the body. Experts recommend using the medication with caution and under the supervision of a medical professional if mixing it with other prescriptions.
Some people may also consider taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is also proven to relieve pain. Others may try muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants to deal with muscle spasms that can begin to accompany the sciatica pain.
4. Accupuncture
More people are considering acupuncture to reduce sciatica pain with the use of small needles that are inserted into the muscles at specific points on the legs, which releases hormones and endorphins into the body once placed in the skin. This can provide relief and combat the pain that is experienced with a pinched nerve. Acupuncture also calms the pain that is present in the nerves and improves mobility due to less discomfort that is experienced.
RELATED ARTICLE: Treat Your Sciatica Pain Without Drugs: 4 Powerful Herbs
5. Physical Therapy
Staying active and undergoing physical therapy with specific exercises that are performed is also recommended to reduce the duration of the pain. Although it can be difficult to want to practice physical fitness while in pain, it will increase the blood flow throughout the body to rid the body of chemicals that trigger pain and inflammation where the nerve is pinched.
Medical professionals recommend performing light exercises for an average of 15 minutes each day to prevent placing too much strain on the body. Swimming and water aerobics may be easier to perform while suffering from pain to continue staying active. A physical therapist will also be able to recommend certain stretching exercises to improve flexibility and increase the support of the spine.
6. Getting Massages
A massage therapist will be able to offer both short-term and long-term relief to specific muscles in the body by massaging muscles that are located in the back and legs. This improves circulation and targets muscles in the back that support the spine, which includes the glutes, the hamstring muscles, the quadratus lumborum, the psoas, and the piriformis. It’s important to find a massage therapist that specializes in offering relief for sciatica pain to ensure that the message is customized to improve circulation and works on strengthening the back. An ice massage can also offer relief with self-massage techniques that include sitting on a tennis ball.
Many people who suffer from sciatica pain may find it challenging to have hope that they’ll experience relief and increased mobility in the future. Although sciatica pain may be experienced long-term, there are several different treatment options that are available to regain mobility and reduce the effects of pain without undergoing surgery.
