Sciatica Relief Gained Through Simple Lifestyle Changes

Sciatica nerve pain affects the lives of millions of people. The pain is caused by inflammation and pressure on the root of the nerve in the lower back. There are many sciatica treatment options available, including surgery, medication, and non-invasive lifestyle changes. The optimal treatment plan is based on the severity of the damage to the spinal column. You should begin with the least invasive methods, trying other techniques based on the level of pain and consultation with your physician.
Surgery is one option for sciatica treatment. This option is a last resort due to the risks involved in the procedure and the associated anesthesia. In order to avoid surgery, medication and lifestyle changes should be implemented as early as possible after the onset of sciatica pain.

Painkilling medications are the most common treatment for sciatica relief. Most sufferers take non-steroid, anti-inflammatory muscle relaxers. However, in some extreme circumstances, opiate-based painkillers are appropriate for sciatica relief. These more powerful drugs should be avoided if possible because of the potential for addiction.
Changing your posture is an easy, inexpensive, and effective way to control your sciatica pain. First, let’s look at our sitting posture as a strategy for sciatica relief. Bad posture when sitting is a quick way to put extra stress on your spine, causing pain in your muscles, joints and nerves. If you are like most Americans, you do a lot of sitting while on the job and while relaxing after work. Avoid slouching when sitting at home or at work. Also, be sure that your head is not leaning forward when you are sitting. Your 15 pound noggin can cause strain on your spinal cord, resulting in sciatica pain.
When sitting, it is important to have an ergonomic chair that offers proper back support. Consider asking your employer for a more supportive chair, if needed. It will save you pain and save your employer costly sick days. Finally, be sure to get up, walk around, or stretch every 30-60 minutes in order to relieve stress caused from sitting for too long.
Posture is also important when standing and moving around. It is vital that you stand and walk with your pelvis, shoulders, and head inline. Pushing any of these body parts forward or backward, can cause unneeded sciatica pain. To relieve sciatica pain while standing, be sure to stand up straight with your feet slightly apart and your chin parallel to the ground. Standing and moving in proper alignment will take pressure off of the sciatica nerve. Just as with sitting, it is important not to stay in one position for too long. Avoid standing in one position for prolonged time periods.
Posture during sleep is an often overlooked way to treat sciatica pain. Here are a couple of tips to improve sleeping posture and relieve sciatica pain:

1. Avoid propping yourself up with a bunch of pillows. Your head, spine, and hips should remain in alignment during your sleep. Pillows should support both your head and neck.
2. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve.
3. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned with your back and neck.

Along with these sciatica relief tips, proper exercise can help strengthen the muscles and support the area around the sciatic nerve, relieving tension.
If you you’re still experiencing pain or feel you’re too far gone, please contact us at (661) 940-6302. We have developed proven methods of treating sciatica.