Sciatic pain can impact your daily life by causing pain and discomfort. Our blog outlines a range of ways you can alleviate some of your symptoms and speed up your recovery. To find out more, keep reading our complete guide.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition where your sciatic nerve becomes pinched. This can often be caused by a herniated disc in your spine or a bone that is overgrown. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back all the way down to your feet and sciatic pain can impact your bottom, your legs or even your feet and toes. You may also experience pain in your back, however if back pain is your only symptom it is not likely to be sciatica.
Typically sciatica lasts 4 - 6 weeks, but it can last longer. The typical symptoms are stabbing or shooting pains, tingling, numbness or even feeling weakness in your lower half.
Tips For Easing Your Sciatic Symptoms
Anti Inflammatory Diet
You may not realise how much your diet can impact your symptoms, however choosing an anti-inflammatory diet can help relieve some discomfort and reduce the likelihood of sciatica occurring in the future.
Anti-inflammatory foods to incorporate in your diet could be:
● Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and kale)
● Blueberries & pineapple
● Broccoli
● Green tea
● Onions
● Celery
● Parsley and other fresh herbs
● Fatty fish (salmon)
● Whole grains & nuts
Be More Aware Of Your Posture
Trying to improve your posture can help alleviate some pressure on your pinched sciatic nerve. Try to take more notice of your posture when you’re sitting or standing, and try to avoid slouching as this can worsen your sciatica pain.
Regular Exercise
Gentle exercise can help your sciatic pain massively. Simple exercises such as walking, running, swimming and cycling are beneficial for relieving sciatica. Flexibility exercises such as yoga and pilates can also help to improve your symptoms while keeping your body flexible and active.
Ice Packs
Ice packs can also be useful in the first few days, as they reduce inflammation and the intense pain you may be experiencing.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatments can do wonders for sciatic pain. Spinal manipulation can be useful for readjusting your spine and alleviating sciatic symptoms. Chiropractic services can be used to treat a range of conditions and help with old injuries.
If you’re interested to see if chiropractic treatments may help alleviate your sciatica or another musculoskeletal condition, contact us today! Our team here at Optimal Health Chiropractic will be happy to help you.
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