4 Ways to Experience Lasting Sciatica Relief

Sciatica usually impacts one side of your body. Its symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness anywhere from your lower back to your feet. 

Usually, the causes of sciatica aren’t serious, and they’ll resolve naturally with rest and time. However, your daily life may be upset as you deal with these symptoms. When home care isn’t enough, or symptoms persist, our team at Coast Neurosurgical Associates can help with treatments to match the severity of your condition. 

Today, we’ll take a closer look at four strategies to help you experience lasting relief from the effects of sciatica. Here’s what you need to know. 

Causes of sciatica

The sciatic nerves are the longest and thickest nerves in your body. Rather than a single nerve, the sciatics are bundles of five nerves branching off the spinal cord on both the left and right sides of your body. 

Sciatica symptoms originate from compression or irritation of one or more of the nerves in the sciatic bundle. That’s why symptoms can vary. 

Any condition or injury that affects these nerves can trigger sciatica. Perhaps the most common causes are disc herniation and spinal stenosis. 

When sciatica occurs, something happens to reduce the amount of space through which nerves can pass. In the case of herniation, the soft inner gel of a spinal disc escapes the tough outer shell and comes into contact with nerve tissue. 

Spinal stenosis occurs when something blocks the space that nerves normally pass through, pressing on nerve tissue. Bone spurs from osteoarthritis or damage from fractures are just two possible stenosis causes. 

4 ways to experience lasting sciatica relief

1. Understand your diagnosis

There are two types of sciatica that produce the same symptoms. 

However, sciatica-like conditions may have additional causes for your symptoms. For example, piriformis syndrome stems from a pair of deep buttock muscles that spasm or tighten, causing sciatic nerve irritation. The root cause of your sciatica symptoms may help you focus on therapies that produce lasting results. 

2. Boost activity levels

Moderate, low-impact activity can be a natural pain reliever. Aerobic, flexibility, and strength training play a role in helping your body reduce or prevent sciatica symptoms. 

3. Reduce chair time

People who do office work or whose hobbies keep them seated for long periods may experience sciatica. Sitting for long stretches adds pressure on spinal discs. 

This effect is magnified if the rest of your life is sedentary. Add frequent breaks and stretches to counteract the effects of seated postures. 

4. Build your core

The core muscles of your body do more than keep your belly flat. When it comes to your spine, they provide support for the load-bearing role of your vertebrae. 

Every pound of force transferred to core muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks, pelvis, and sides is force moved away from the structures of your spine. 

There’s no sure way to completely remove the risk of sciatica, so contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, when your symptoms still interfere with daily living. 

Our sciatica specialists have additional treatment options. In the unlikely case that your sciatica symptoms require surgery, we’re here for you, too. Call or click to book your consultation now.