Is There a Cure For Sciatica?

By Miriam Dawson

Sciatica has become the most prevalent lower back pain syndrome that already affected millions of the adult population throughout the world. Cure for sciatica involves nothing but proper back pain management. Sciatica treatments have become a multi-billion industry because of the growing number of people experiencing lower back pain. Doctors, chiropractors and other specialists have gained advantage over providing the best possible course of treatment for relieving sciatica.
Treatments for sciatica involve conventional and non-conventional approaches. But people are now starting to embrace the idea of choosing unconventional over the conventional treatments. With the current instability provided by a weak world market, the search for other forms of modalities showed a drastic increase over the years. People want to find a more economical and effective way to put an end to their unending battle with sciatic pain.
Normally, management for sciatica does not need to opt for drastic measures such as surgery and medications, unless there is a need for one. Conservative forms of treatments are always the first-line of cure for sciatica. But proper diagnosis of the underlying spinal condition is still the best and most successful treatment in battling its symptoms. This is being emphasized since sciatica is a commonly misdiagnosed symptom and the very reason why the course of treatment applied turns out to be a failure. If you are one of those people who have tried almost every treatment possible but still with no success, then the prognosis of the main cause of sciatica is probably misunderstood.
Complete bed rest is the most old-fashioned approach that is usually recommended by doctor as a cure for sciatica. Patients are advised to take short term bed rests in order for the pain to subside. Long-term inactivity and prolonged reclining are certainly discouraged. Lack of movement and inactivity might inflict more damage due to the progression of muscle deterioration. If your doctor happens to advice longer and extended periods of bed rest, might as well consider the next best option.
Alternative treatments such as chiropractic practices, acupuncture and acupressure are found to be an effective way of addressing sciatica. It includes remedies and practices which are far different from the traditional treatments. It is always headed by a specialist or professional like a licensed chiropractor, acupressure specialist and acupuncturist. They are the people who initiate the treatment to ensure it is properly administered.
People who are inflicted with sciatica have a variety of treatments to choose from. The above mentioned treatments are most beneficial to the acute phase of sciatica. Severe cases of sciatica may require an immediate medical intervention since it does not respond well with the basic approach of the treatment. Therefore the early you indulge in pain management for sciatica the less likely you will go through the aggressive approach of its treatment. Patients are accountable for the success or failure of their treatment. Its effectiveness comes down on how efficient is the application of sciatic pain management.
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How to Stop Sciatica - Understanding the Age-Progressive Phenomena and Processes Affecting the Spine

By John Zajaros

The process of aging may have multiple impacts and/or effects on the spine, with myriad symptoms expressed. Some symptoms of a more severe, underlying condition may include neck pain, back pain, and sciatica nerve pain, also known as sciatica. Some consequences of aging that lead to pain are degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. In addition to these conditions or pathologies, an individual may develop osteophytosis, bony spurs or bridges from one vertebral body to the next, osteoarthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and a myriad of other, often related pathologies.
Sciatica is often a consequence of one or more of the above mentioned conditions. The medical term for sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is radiculopathy. Radiculopathy is a term that means, in layman's English, that the disc in between the vertebral bodies is out of position and is irritating the nerve root, the radicular nerve. Sciatica may be experienced at any point along the nerve route. Specifically, sciatica is a symptom or set of symptoms. Sciatic nerve pain is not the ultimate diagnosis but rather an expression of the pain itself. In its simplest expression, sciatica is pain that generally radiates across the buttocks and down one or both legs. The reason sciatica is referred to as a set of symptoms instead of as a diagnosis is because it does not explain the underlying cause of the pain. In fact, there may be many causes and or many factors that are contributing to what we commonly referred to as sciatica.
Sciatica may range from a slight discomfort in the buttocks or behind the knee to a severe, debilitating, and even disabling and/or crippling level of pain. In most cases, sciatic nerve pain will affect or impact only one side of the body, pain may be limited to a single region or it may express itself all the way down the leg and even into the toes. The actual sciatic nerve pain or sciatica may range from mild discomfort and tingling to a burning sensation that worsens upon sitting. Weakness, loss of feeling, and even loss of function may be a consequence of sciatica. Because the condition is a symptom and not the ultimate diagnosis, if it should last more than 48 to 72 hours, a medical practitioner should be consulted.
Degenerative disc disease is but one cause of sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. However, it is one of the most common, if not the most common, of the many causes of not only sciatica but also back pain and neck pain. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most misunderstood of all spinal pathologies. Because it is termed "degenerative" people often assume that there is a progression, ultimately worsening with age. In fact, the opposite seems to be true, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) is a natural consequence of aging. Pain associated with degenerative disc disease, like sciatica itself, ranges in its expression from mild to severe. Degenerative disc disease is, in fact, completely mislabeled, for it is neither degenerative in the sense that it is a relentless, ongoing pathology, nor is it a disease in the sense that it is an illness. It is not! Finally, if diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, you are not doomed to a progression ultimately leading to disability but, rather, it is within your power to deal effectively with the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica.
Spinal stenosis or simply stenosis generally refers to a narrowing of the nerve canal through which a nerve or bundle of nerves pass through. So, if you picture a small hole, one that over time becomes narrower and narrower, eventually becoming so restrictive that the nerve becomes pinched and pain ensues, you have a basic idea, a picture, of what stenosis is. There are many causes for stenosis, some having to do with bone deposition due to stress, others with inflammation, still others with a complex of factors. Ultimately, they all lead to the same set of symptoms, neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica. Stenosis may be the most difficult condition, pathology, to deal with and may ultimately require surgery to reopen the passage so the nerve can pass through unrestricted. However, there are alternative treatments strategies available for those unwilling or unable to undergo surgery.
Herniated discs often cause severe, even debilitating neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. The condition is most common in white males 35 to 40 years old, and older. The IVDs most affected are those of the secondary curvatures of the spine, the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) areas or curvatures. However, other sectors of the population and the other curvatures of the spine can be and are affected as well. Picture a jelly doughnut, that's right, a jelly doughnut! The intervertebral disk or IVD is very much like a jelly doughnut. The IVD is made up of circular rings of cartilage surrounding a fluid center. When a disc herniates or ruptures, the fluid center bulges out from the center placing pressure on the nerve root. The pressure on the nerve root causes neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, varying from mild to debilitating. Once again, as with spinal stenosis, the prognosis depends on the severity of the herniation or rupture, and degree of damage or possibility of damage to the surrounding area. A herniated disc, putting pressure on the nerve root, depending on the level affected, may express itself in myriad ways. In all cases in which pain presents itself for more than 48 to 72 hours, a medical practitioner should be consulted.
Age-progressive phenomena such as osteoarthritis, osteophytosis, and others will be discussed more completely in a subsequent article. However, many age-progressive phenomena are a consequence of a complex of issues related to aging, combined with muscle atrophy, due to a sedentary lifestyle, and our body's attempt to strengthen the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine. Because we stand erect, our secondary curvatures, those of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine come under tremendous stress and pressure, particularly as we age and muscles weaken. The complex of weakening muscles, aging, and other factors leads to an adaptive response by the body, particularly by the spine, to strengthen an area under stress. Osteophyte bridges, also known as bone spurs or bony bridges, occur as an adaptive response to the weakening of muscles responsible for supporting the curvatures of the spine, particularly the secondary curvatures. Ultimately, this condition is avoidable, through a program of exercise and stretching to maintain those muscles, avoiding excess stress and pressure in the IVD and the vertebrae themselves.
Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and even osteophytosis may be effectively dealt with by adding an individualized and intelligently maintained exercise and stretching program to your daily routine. Because there are so many factors involved in any pain complex, particularly when expressed as neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, when unsure we should always defer to our medical practitioner. A pain reduction strategy that includes exercise, stretching, ice-compression braces, the proper shoes, orthotics for those times when soft-soled shoes are inappropriate and even anti-inflammatory medication may be more than adequate for most expressions of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica symptoms and/or expressions. Once again, should pain continue for more than 48 to 72 hours, individuals suffering from severe back pain and sciatica should see their medical practitioner.
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Relieve Sciatic Pain With Sciatica Stretches

By Jeff Parks

Sciatica is a condition that can cause intense pain as a result of damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from the bottom of the spine, through the hip, down the leg, knee and to the ankle. Nerve damage is difficult to treat and the pain is hard to alleviate. However certain types of sciatica stretches which target the muscles and nerves can help with pain as well as target the cause of the nerve problems.
Sciatica stretches need to be done regularly. It is important to do the stretches as often and consistently as possible, to keep the muscles loose and thus your pain at bay. It is also recommended that you do five minutes of cardio to warm up your body, especially your legs where the sciatic nerve runs through to get the blood pumping in that area.
Stretching different muscles in the legs and lower back can improve pain resulting from sciatica. These include hamstring stretches, pelvic tilt, piriformis stretches, pulling your knee towards your chest, thigh stretches and lower back stretches.
Stretching your hamstring muscles can be done in various ways, targeting the muscle running down the back of your leg. When this muscle is too tight, it can hurt your back as it puts pressure on it which in turn can have an effect on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica stretches targeting the hamstrings can thus improve pain felt by sciatica. One of the ways you can stretch your hamstring is by lying on your back with one leg up, pulling it towards you slightly with a band or towel.
Sciatica stretches that target the piriformis muscle which crosses over the sciatic nerve deep inside the hip joint can also help relieve pain and improve sciatica. When the piriformis muscle is too tight, it could be choking the sciatic nerve. An example of a piriformis stretch would be to lie on your back and pull your one knee towards the chest on the opposite side.
The pelvic tilt, often used in Pilates, also targets the lower back muscles, strengthening them so that they do not put pressure on the sciatic nerve. It involves lying on your back with your knees bent and pushing your pelvis towards the roof, but slowly so that you roll upwards from the bottom of your spine. Doing this works like any sciatica exercises and done regularly can improve pain from sciatica.
Sciatica stretches that target your legs and thighs can also work as a great pain reliever. These limbs are used often during day to day activities like walking, which put pressure on the muscles. Stretching these muscles makes them more flexible and less likely to get injured or damaged. Sitting on the floor and trying to touch your toes is an example of how you can stretch your legs.
The benefits of sciatica stretches are vast, but the most important one is how it targets muscles and nerves, relieving pain felt by sciatica and other forms of neuralgia. Stretches like this also improve your range of motion making your muscles more flexible and taking pressure off the sciatic nerve, especially when the muscles in the lower back are targeted. When you are more flexible, you are less likely to maintain an injury resulting in damage to the nerves. It also helps with ischemia, when the muscles are not getting enough oxygen.
It takes some dedication, but sciatica stretches when done regularly can improve your sciatic condition. They are designed to target the cause of sciatic pain and when this cause is muscle tension or tightness as well as compression or ischemia, they can indeed relieve pain and strengthen the muscles around the sciatic nerve.
Are you looking for resources to help stop this agonizing pain for good? Learn more about sciatica exercises [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/sciatica-exercises/] that can bring quick pain relief to sufferers. Jeff Parks is a past sciatica sufferer and witness to a colleague who underwent surgery for sciatica caused by a herniated disc, and knows the gravity of this condition. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 7-part Reduce Back Pain email course at no cost at www.sciatica-pains.com [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/]
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The Most Effective Sciatica Cures Options

By Josh Stamos

Sciatica is a nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of one of the five spinal nerve roots that give rise to each sciatic nerve, or the sciatic nerve itself is compressed or irritated. Aside from a compressed nerve, sciatica may also be caused by irritation of the nerve from adjacent tumors, bones, muscles and other previous injuries. Sciatica can also occur to pregnant women. It must be noted that sciatica could not be diagnosed but through the symptoms. The underlying cause of these symptoms must be determined first for recommendation of appropriate sciatica cure. Moreover, appropriate treatment may vary with the severity of pain the patient is experiencing.
There are indeed different causes of Sciatica, thus, these causes may even require various treatment. A consultation to a physician can help a patient suffering from sciatic because it could identify the cause as well as recommend appropriate sciatica cures. Some patients are required to undergo tests such as x-rays, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to determine the causes of sciatica. And so, written below are some of causes and sciatica cure options that need to be considered:
� Sciatica could go away without any medical intervention if it caused by prolapsed or lumbar disc herniation.
� Another symptom determined is cuada equine syndrome. It is a neurologic condition which is characterized by acute loss of function in some parts of the spinal cord. Once this cause is determined, the doctor may require further treatment.
� Other causes such as epidural abscess, or tumors, will also require the need of further treatment. Thus, a patient might need to be injected with steroids or muscle relaxants.
� On the other hand, an elective surgery may be needed if a person is suffering from unilateral sciatica or other severe cases.
Aside from these sciatica cure options, there are other alternatives that patient do. One alternative is taking analgesics to relieve pain as well as disability, however, there are criticisms regarding the efficacy of such medication. Even the UK's National Health Service stated that there has not been sufficient evidence to prove that a drug such as analgesics can cure Sciatica. Some patients even take physical therapy and bed rest, however, there is no enough evidence to prove that bed rest and physical therapy exercises can cure such condition. Moreover, a study in the Netherlands proved that bed rest could not cure Sciatica. It tested 183 patients suffering from sciatica where half of the patients were advised bed rest and half was not. Results showed that there is no difference with the symptoms, level of pain experienced and the recuperation time among the two groups after 12 weeks of observation.
Other sciatica cures one could try to alleviate pain and decrease discomfort would be avoiding sitting for a long amount of time to reduce the pressure on his lumbar area, stretching exercises, and short walks and sitting. A heating pad may also be placed in the lower back area or where pain in experienced for 15 minutes every couple of hours.
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What You Need to Know About Sciatica Pain Relief

By Mo Mann

Is your sciatica getting you down?
Do you dread the cost and inconvenience of going to the doctor again for fear of the same old temporary sciatica pain relief?
Then it is time to take matters into your own hands.
The good news for the ninety percent of sufferers is that you can get sciatica pain relief easily, quickly and permanently. You just need to ensure that you learn about and understand the causes behind sciatica, so appropriate remedial actions are taken and you have the motivation to persevere.
Even better news is that it is not necessary to continuously take prescription drugs or even contemplate surgery. Now don't get me wrong, there is a role for pain killers and muscle relaxants in sciatica. However, these drugs are for immediate symptomatic relief and not for curing the problem and ensuring that it does not happen again.
What is Sciatica Pain?
Sciatica pain, for most, is the result of herniated disc that irritates or other activities and conditions that compresses the sciatic nerve.
Other causes may be spinal abnormality such as scoliosis.
Most common causes that can trigger sciatica are back problems and muscle weakness, inappropriate posture, putting too much pressure on the back, buttocks or legs, lifting or bending and doing heavy labor and long periods of driving and sitting etc.
Sciatica pain, often shooting in nature but can be dull., numbing and tingling, usually runs down one or both legs as a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back to the buttocks on each side and down the legs.
How can Sciatica Pain be Treated?
The traditional approaches that your doctor may already have suggested, other than prescribing prescription pain killers and / or muscle relaxants is the use of heat and cold compresses.
However, the best way to obtain sciatica pain relief is from sciatica stretches and exercises.
There is a strong case for using devices and contraptions to help with the stretches and exercises, since as a chronic sufferer, they will make it easier for you to maintain a healthy back and avoid recurrence.
In addition, natural remedies can also be beneficial in ensuring a healthy back, without concern about drug side effects.
Over the counter drugs can also be used for reducing inflammation and pain as part of the overall treatment, and if needed prescription medicines initially.
Sciatica Stretches and Exercises
Sciatica stretches are meant to improve flexibility of the appropriate muscles to ensure that the sciatic pain is relieved as soon as possible and the tightness relieved. Stretches are considered part of the necessary exercises need to relieve pain and strengthen your back, however, the basis for the sciatica stretches are different than sciatica exercises.
Sciatica exercises are meant to strengthen the appropriate back and leg muscles to ensure that the root causes of the problem are minimized or eliminated. It is also the basis for ensuring the reduction of additional sciatic pain episodes.
Sciatica Pain Relief Devices
Certain sciatica stretches and exercises are done more effectively with the aid of devices and contraptions. They not only make it easier to consistently undertake the physical activities to relieve pain but also to ensure that they are done correctly.
Sciatica Pain Relief Natural Remedies
Natural remedies are growing in acceptance and are usually gentler and safer to use and focuses on other mean to achieve pain relief and help with a healthier back. While drugs are appropriate for immediate pain relief, reduction of inflammation and relaxation of muscles, it may be better to avoid them on an ongoing basis and to look for a holistic approach to treating the problem.
So, before you consider surgery or potent prescription medicines, take comfort that you can get sciatica pain relief through consistent stretches and exercises, so you can be on your way to getting a leg up on sciatica.
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Causes of Sciatica Pain - Why You Must Understand Them

By Lewis Kirby

So you have sciatica, but you have also found something that takes away or reduces the discomfort -- why the would you be interested in the causes of sciatica pain? Let me show you why you should.
Most sciatica sufferers spend their time wishing for something to relieve them of the pain, discomfort, and misery caused by this common condition. However if you want relief from something you need to know its cause; in the case of sciatica there are many possible causes. Many people these days are suffering from the discomfort of sciatica pain and there are any number of treatments available that can help with the pain; and the effectiveness of the treatment relates directly to the precise nature of the cause.
What I have noticed, though, is that very often any relief found turns out to be short term and very soon the agony of sciatica comes back just as bad as it was, or even worse.
One of the things about sciatica I find annoying is that many treatments for sciatica are referred to as "cures" when they are nothing of the sort: they can best be described as relief -- when you stop using them the pain of sciatica returns. What is worse, since these relief treatments usually relieve the pain, and do not target the sciatica or its causes, the sciatica itself is not improved -- in fact any delays in corrective treatment could result in the sciatica condition worsening.
As might be expected, anyone who constantly experiences the pain of sciatica -- which often means that even the most mundane of everyday tasks becomes an agonising chore -- will reach out for any offer of any answer that will provide comfort, even if there is a chance it may be short-lived. Such treatments may provide an acceptable level of comfort and relief from the normal high degree of pain but they often do nothing to treat the cause of that pain.
There are, in fact, sciatica treatments you can conduct in your own home. One of the best ways of treating your sciatica is to carry out appropriate exercises -- and appropriate is the important word here: doing inappropriate exercise could make your sciatica worse. One of the most popular forms of sciatica exercise is Yoga and Pilates -- and since they are both believed to be beneficial to everyone, whether or not they are ill, you can do it with a partner or friend.
Some areas of the country also offer self-mobilization classes where you will be taught to eliminate stress and pain by developing control over your body using your mind. There are also many natural exercises which can not only relieve your sciatica pain but will also make you a fitter person altogether. Many people believe that everyone should stretch and exercise every day in order to tone your muscles; in fact toned muscles can help your posture and thereby avoid further sciatica pain.
Further research is needed for us to have a better understanding of the causes of sciatica. Those who turn to natural remedies for sciatica may find that they are merely treating the pain and not targeting the sciatica condition itself, whereas those who turn to their doctor will find that a proper session of diagnosis will provide a good view of the causes of sciatica pain, and will lead to a correct and appropriate course of treatment that will not only provide relief from the pain, but also begin the curing process.
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Know About The Correct Sciatica Treatment

By Jeff Parks

Sciatica is a type of neuralgia, a condition where there is damage or pressure on the nerve causing pain, weakness, tingling or numbness. Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve running through the leg, which means that this type of neuralgia is more commonly felt in the leg. However sciatica or neuralgia is considered a symptom of a cause and it is in looking at the cause that one can go about sciatica treatment.
Sciatica can result from a number of causes and involves anything that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or has damaged it in some way. The pain can be deep and hard to treat and is often re-occurring. Therefore in terms of sciatica treatment it is important to look at the cause to make sure there is long-term pain relief. Sciatica can be caused by back problems such as spinal stenosis, a slipped or herniated disk or even spondylolisthesis. It can also be as a result of weak or tense muscles such as piriformis syndrome. This refers to a tightening of the piriformis muscle, which is located deep in the hip socket and can choke the sciatic nerve if it is too tight. Tumors may also exert pressure on the sciatic nerve together with conditions such as osteoporosis. It can be said that sciatica treatment is unique to its cause.
When the root problem of sciatica is located in the back either from a slipped disk, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis, sciatica treatment can vary. A slipped disk refers to a disk in the back moving due to a sports injury or an irregular movement. It can become herniated, which means it pushes against the muscle walls. Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra has slipped onto another vertebra. Spinal stenosis is when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord. In each of these cases, weakening of the lower back can put enormous strain on the sciatic nerve, resulting in possible pinched nerves or overexertion which leads to the intense pain felt deep inside the leg. Sciatica treatment for these can involve anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers to alleviate the painful area. A cortisone injection may also be recommended. Sometimes resting to avoid putting strain on the injured area may be a useful sciatica treatment including using hot packs or ice packs.
In some cases, especially with regards to the lower back as well as when piriformis syndrome is involved, physical therapy may target the affected area alleviating pressure off the sciatic nerve. Exercises that target and loosen the piriformis muscle and strengthen the surrounding muscles can help to make the hip area strong. Stretching the back, especially when there is a herniated disk may work as sciatic treatment by reducing the weakness of the back muscles so that they do not rely so heavily on the sciatic nerve.
When all other sciatic treatment fails and pain persists, a physician may consider surgery as a way to target the cause of the sciatica. Surgery to physically release the piriformis muscle may be considered and also surgery to repair a herniated disk, fix a slipped vertebra or a narrowed canal. However this is often the last case scenario for sciatica treatment and one to be avoided if possible.
The important thing about sciatica treatment is that it targets the actual root of the problem and alleviates the cause and thus the pain in the long run. It often requires consistency and dedication, especially when physical therapy is involved, however it is possible to treat sciatica and ensure that the pain is kept at bay permanently.
Are you suffering from sciatica for hours at a time? Are you looking for resources to help stop this agonizing pain for good? Learn more about how the correct sciatica treatment [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/sciatica-treatment/] that can bring quick pain relief to sufferers without drastic surgery. Jeff Parks is a past sciatica sufferer and witness to a colleague who underwent surgery for sciatica caused by a herniated disc, and knows the gravity of this condition. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 7-part Reduce Back Pain email course at no cost at www.sciatica-pains.com [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/]
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Uncover the Hidden Truth about the Sciatica Nerve

By Korie Jacobs

The sciatica is the longest nerve in the human body.
The Role of the Sciatica Nerve
Sciatica Defined
By definition, sciatica refers to the pain that occurs when the sciatica nerve becomes injured or inflamed. Sciatica can occur anywhere along the route of the sciatica nerve, but is most commonly felt in the back of the thighs and in the calves. Causes of sciatica can vary widely. Sciatica can be a result of direct trauma to the sciatica nerve as in an accident or it can be caused by something as common as a muscle spasm that puts pressure on the nerve.
What does the Sciatica Nerve do?
The sciatica nerve, the longest in the body, runs a path from the base of the spine, through the pelvis and buttock regions, and down the backs of the thighs. Once the nerve reaches the calf area, it branches off into two sections. One section travels down the inner side of the calf and ankle and the other section follows a path down the outside of the calf around the ankle through the tops of the feet and into the toes.
This nerve provides sensation to many areas in the legs, calves, feet and toes. The sciatica nerve is also responsible for assisting muscles that allow movement in the knees, ankles and feet. When the sciatica nerve is damaged, it is not uncommon for a person to feel numbness, weakness or pain in any place the nerve passes through.
Causes of Sciatica can vary
Many causes of sciatica exist. Instances of trauma to the sciatica nerve have been reported from accidents injuring the pelvic region, diseases such as diabetes damaging the sciatica nerve, osteoarthritis induced bone spurs narrowing the spinal canal and tumors placing pressure on the nerve. More commonly, however, the cause of sciatica can be found in a herniated lumbar disc. Either through injury or just constant wear and tear, the disc can become less supple and shift between the vertebrae. When this happens, inflammation of the sciatica nerve can occur through direct pressure of the bulging disc or through chemicals released from the cells of the herniated disc.
Diagnosing Causes of Sciatica
While many forms of treatment will help the sciatica nerve to heal, the most improvement will occur when the root cause of the sciatica is addressed. In order to do so, a visit to the doctor may prove to be helpful. Physicians will combine a patient's history along with neurological tests and a physical examination to determine the most likely causes of sciatica. Sometimes, a MRI scan may be necessary to correctly diagnose a patient's condition. A MRI can help a physician to see herniated discs, bone spurs, nerve damage, and tumors. Knowing the causes of sciatica can help a doctor to treat the patient much more effectively.
Nerve Damage usually temporary
In the majority of cases, the sciatica nerve will not be permanently damaged. Healing may take several months, but the pain will most likely continue to decrease as the healing progresses. Adopting a regimen of daily exercise at this time will speed up the healing process as well as help to prevent future episodes.
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The 6 Medical Conditions that can Cause Sciatica

By James William Van Heerden

Can Sciatica be Cured? (Part 1)
This article is not a scientific account of sciatica, but my very personal experience of it, how it affected me and what I tried to do to recover or at least get some improvement. I tried to pass on some of the more general information about sciatica that I discovered on the internet and how it helped or did not help me on the road of recovery.
I discovered that there are a number of reasons why you "get" sciatica or sciatic lower back pain. For myself, I can only give a guesstimate of what the reason is why I got sciatica as I did not go for a MRI or CT scan (because of financial constraints). My MD explained to me that sciatica is not a disease, but only describes a certain kind of pain. Apparently this pain is caused by any kind of pressure on the large sciatic nerve that exits through an opening in the spine in the lumbar region and travels down through the buttocks and then to the back of the leg, thus "transferring" the pain to these areas.
I just want to add that since that fateful day that I was diagnosed with sciatica back pain, I made an in-depth study of this affliction to get as most information about it to see what I can do to get a cure. Now I do not say that I know everything about sciatica, but I am confident that I do know much, much more about it and the way it affects a person. As far as a cure is concerned, as I mentioned earlier, this is something that one has to try different treatments or combination of treatments to find out what is the best for you.
I was diagnosed with sciatica about a year ago in February 2014 after experiencing the classic sciatic lower back, buttock and leg pain and in this article I will chat about the source of sciatica, what may be the cause and finally how to get rid or completely cure it.
To start off, I want to give you a picture of what sciatica is, how you get it, how it affects a person and the different types of treatments that you can experiment with. There are drugs, exercises, stretching exercises, creams and even a psychological approach to the problem.
How do You Get Sciatica. Part 1
Primarily, there is no single cure for sciatica and every person will have his/her own set of treatments for the problem. This suggests that a certain number of trials and errors must be done before one can find a balanced and individualized treatment plan that will be based on the symptoms, diagnosis and reaction to the various treatments.
� Characteristics of Sciatica.
o You will have a continuous pain from the pinched area in your back, running through the buttocks down to the leg, sometimes even reaching your foot. Very rarely this can affect both legs.
o This pain in the leg will make it very difficult to stand.
o Lying down or sitting can make it worse.
o You will find a weakness or numbness of the leg and it will be difficult to move.
o The pain can be described as a very sharp, stinging pain that can at times become unbearable.
The 6 Types of Medical Conditions that can Cause Sciatica.
There are basically six different reasons of what can cause sciatic back pain:
1. Lumbar Herniated Disk.
2. Degenerative Disk Disease.
3. Isthmic spondylolisthesis.
4. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
5. Piriformis Syndrome.
6. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.
I will try to explain what these important sounding terms means:-
1. Lumbar Herniated Disk.
A lumbar disk consists of an outer portion which contains a soft inner portion. When the fibrous outer portion ruptures, the softer inner portion leaks out into the spinal canal putting pressure on the spinal nerve. This will cause pain to travel down the nerve into the buttocks and down the leg.
Symptoms of a Lumbar Herniated Disc

• Basically sciatica usually starts with a severe pain in the lower back, buttocks and the leg.
• This pain can be followed by numbness or tingling and weakness in the leg, making it difficult to walk and dragging the foot.
• The leg pain may in some cases even be more severe that the back pain
• Sometimes this can also affect the bowel and bladder functions, at which point you are urged to consult a physician because it can point to a very serious medical condition.

L4-L5 and L5-S1 Disc Herniation Symptoms.
Most of these conditions will occur in the bottom lower part of the spine, affecting the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels. Classic sciatica symptoms will be present and can lead to the following:

• L5 nerve impingement at the L4-L5 level. This can also bring a weakness in the ankle and big toe, but the numbness will be felt on top of the foot with the pain extending to the buttocks...
• S1 nerve impingement at the L5-S1 levels. Causes weakness or loss of the ankle reflex and /or a weakness in lifting up the big toe (toe rises). The patient can also experience pain down the sole or outside of the foot.

This is the first instalment of a series of "How do you Get Sciatica" These articles will begin with the discussion of what is sciatica, how you can contract Sciatica, then move on to the different conditions that can cause it, and lastly, what you can do for relief of the pain. In the second part of these articles, I will discuss the condition called Degenerative Disk Disease. (DDD)
Why I am eligible to talk and write about Sciatica and back pain in general? Please read my "About Me" page on my website
My name is James and you can go to my website for more information on the subject of sciatica.
Why I am eligible to talk and write about Sciatica and back pain in general? Please read my "About Me" page.
My name is James. My website URL is http://sciaticapaintreatment.siterubix.com.
Myself and my other half both have suffered from BACK PAIN/SCIATICA for a great number of years.
So this blog represents many years of experiencing BACK PAIN/SCIATICA and you are invited to browse and leave any comment/experience/advice you care to give, which we will appreciate. There are several links on that site which will transfer you to other websites, where we found very useful information about BACK PAIN/SCIATICA. You are welcome, indeed I urge you to look at these products and purchase if you think it can be of help to relieve your BACK PAIN/SCIATICA.
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An Overview Of Some Sciatica Remedies

By Jeff Parks

Sciatica can be an incredibly painful condition when there is nerve damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the bottom of the spine, through the hip, knee and to the ankle. Sciatica can be caused by a number of different things, each which need to be targeted when looking at sciatica remedies. Causes include pressure on the sciatic nerve from the piriformis, a herniated or displaced disk, spinal stenosis or an isthmic spondylolisthesis.
Sciatica can be caused by the piriformis, which is a muscle that runs deep in the hip joint, crossing over the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis is too tight or tense it can choke the sciatic nerve, putting pressure on the nerves which can in turn cause intense pain deep in the joint. Sciatica remedies that target piriformis syndrome include stretching the piriformis muscle as well the gluteal muscles around it. It has also been recommended that by massaging this area, muscles can be released so that they do not choke or put stress on the sciatic nerve. Other muscle relaxants that have been recommended include Valerian root and Passion flower as sciatic remedies.
Herniated or displaced disks can also cause sciatica when a bulging disk puts pressure on the sciatic nerve from a sports injury or something similar. To target disk problems, sciatica remedies can range from homeopathic treatment to surgery. Homeopathy refers to alternative medicine which is believed to more holistic in treating pain. Some of these include Colocynth, Belladonna, Nux vomica and Gnaphalium, however you can consult a homeopathic specialist for recommendations. Traditional medicines include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain-killers or even an epidural injection. Physical therapy is also recommended to strengthen and stretch the back muscles. The last resort for sciatica caused by a herniated disk is surgery.
When the spine is compressed or put under pressure, it can cause spinal stenosis which affects your hip and spine and can cause the sciatic nerve to have intense pressure on it, resulting in sciatica. This is because the spinal canal is narrowed which can cause a lot of pain, numbness and weakness in the neck and lower back. Physical therapy and the strengthening of core muscles through exercise can take pressure off the spine and relieve its stress on the sciatic nerve. Artificial support, like a medical corset can also be worn to take pressure off the spine. Sciatica remedies can also include anti-inflammatory medication or epidural injections. Spinal surgery to relieve compression can be used as a sciatica remedy, taking pressure of the sciatic nerve by alleviating stress on the spine.
A pinched sciatic nerve can be caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis when a vertebra is dislocated, causing strain on the surrounding muscles. When a vertebra has been dislocated or damaged, it is first suggested that one rests for a few days, so as to avoid stress or pressure on the spine. Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers can also be taken as well as an epidural injection. Exercise, strengthening and stretching may also help rehabilitation of the muscles around the damaged vertebra, relieving pressure off the pinched sciatic nerve. Depending on how badly damaged the vertebra is, a sciatica remedy can include surgery to move the vertebrae off the nerve it is compressing.
More natural sciatica remedies include elderberry juice or elderberry tea, to relax muscles. Garlic or garlic supplements are also recommended along with vitamin B which can be found in spinach, bananas, bread and some types of beans, among others.
While pain can be relieved temporarily in terms of sciatica, the cause of the pain needs to be targeted. Sciatica remedies that try and target these causes are the most helpful and permanent remedies.
Are you suffering from sciatica for hours at a time? Are you looking for resources to help stop this agonizing pain for good? Jeff Parks is a past sciatica sufferer and witness to a colleague who underwent surgery for sciatica caused by a herniated disc, and knows the gravity of this condition. Learn more about how to find a sciatica cure [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/sciatica-cure/] that can bring quick pain relief to sufferers without drastic surgery. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 7-part Reduce Back Pain email course at no cost at www.sciatica-pains.com [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/]
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When You Need Sciatica Pain Relief

By Jeff Parks

Pain caused by sciatica is felt deep inside the leg and can be incredibly crippling. Sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or a sharp burning feeling all of which are uncomfortable. Achieving sciatica pain relief permanently involves targeting the cause of the sciatica and treating the cause, otherwise pain alleviation may only be temporary.
Sciatica refers to damage or pressure involving the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the bottom of the spine, through the hip joint, knee and ankle. Damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by a variety of reasons and needs to be investigated in order for sciatica pain relief to be obtained on a permanent basis.
Temporary sciatica pain relief can involve taking anti-inflammatory medication or pain killers. In more serious cases cortisone injections may be administered. Placing hot or cold ice packs on the painful area as well resting the affected area may also be recommended to aid in reducing inflammation and help with alleviating pain.
However sciatica, which is a type of neuralgia, is often considered a symptom of a cause. Sciatica can be as a result of many things including piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, slipped or herniated disk, tumors, osteoporosis, and pregnancy among others. Many of these causes of sciatica are further caused by other factors. Each of these causes needs to be looked at carefully in order to treat sciatica and help with sciatica pain relief on a more permanent basis if the pain does not ease up.
Often physical therapists can be recommended for sciatica pain relief as they can help with stretches and strengthening exercises that may target some of the sciatica causes. Piriformis syndrome can be relieved by stretching the tense piriformis muscle and strengthening the surrounding gluteal muscles to give the hip area support, taking strain off the piriformis muscle and ultimately the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by back problems such as a herniated disk or spondylolisthesis, strengthening the muscles in the lower back will help relieve any pressure on the sciatic nerve which has been placed on it due to weakness in the back. A herniated disk refers to when a disk in the back has slipped or pushed on to the muscle from straining the back, a sports injury or moving in an unusual way. Spondylolisthesis refers to a vertebra slipping onto another vertebra. Physical therapists may also recommend massaging around the area where the cause of the sciatica is to relieve muscle tension, which may also aid sciatica pain relief.
In more extreme cases of sciatica when the pain can not be kept at bay and someone suffers from it continuously, surgery may be considered as a way to treat the cause of the sciatica. If spinal stenosis is the cause, which refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, surgery may be a way to physically take pressure off the spinal cord and ultimately the lower back, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and promoting sciatica pain relief. Surgery may also be used to physically loosen the pirformis muscle, undoing its hold on the sciatic nerve as well as repairing the vertebra that has slipped onto another vertebra in the case of spondylolisthesis. It may also be a way to remove a possible tumor, which could be pushing on the sciatic nerve. However surgery would be a last resort as a means of alleviating sciatica pain and help with sciatica pain relief.
Sciatica pain relief can be achieved temporarily with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication as well as hot packs and ice packs. However if the pain increases, it is recommended that you consult your physician immediately to locate the cause of the sciatica and target it to achieve ultimate sciatica pain relief.
Jeff parks is a past sciatica sufferer and witness to a colleague who underwent surgery for sciatica caused by a herniated disc, and knows the gravity of this condition. Learn more about how the correct treatment for sciatic pain relief [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/sciatica-pain-relief/] can bring quick pain relief to sufferers without drastic surgery. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 7-part Reduce Back Pain email course at no cost at www.sciatica-pains.com [http://www.sciatica-pains.com/]
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What Causes Sciatic Pain? Can Exercises For Sciatica Help?

By Dr Bradley Moore

Sciatica is the name that is given to a common type of pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that runs down the back of the leg. This article will help to explain what causes sciatic pain, and which exercises for sciatica may be of benefit.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis as such, but rather a way to describe a particular set of symptoms that can occur due to an underlying medical condition that causes compression of the sciatic nerve.
These symptoms of sciatica are usually only on one side, and may be one of, or a combination of:

• Pain that runs from the lower back down the back of the leg or buttock. The pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp, burning or shooting pain that can become debilitating.
• Pain that is worse when sitting.
• You may experience numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected leg.
• The pain can be made worse by coughing or sneezing.
• Sharp pain that can make it difficult to walk.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is about the diameter of your thumb. It runs from the lower back all the way down your leg and as well as being the biggest, it is also the longest nerve in the body. It is derived from the spinal nerves that exit the spine from L4 through to S3 joining together.
The symptoms of sciatica occur when the any one of these nerve roots that form the sciatica nerve is being compressed or irritated in the lumbar spine. This is what people classically think of as a 'pinched' nerve. It is not usually the result of a single injury, but an accumulation over time.
Most cases of sciatica will do away over time. How ever you should seek urgent medical attention if the pain has a sudden onset, is the result of a bad injury such as a car accident, it is not getting better after a week, or if you ever have trouble controlling your bowel or bladder.
What Causes Sciatica?
Compression of the sciatic nerve is most commonly caused by a herniated disc at the L5-S1 spinal level.
Other causes of sciatica are:

• Degenerative disc disease (breaking down of the spinal discs.)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal nerve canals in the lumbar spine, usually as a result of calcification/bone spurs.)
• Spondylolysthesis (a condition where one vertebra slips forward on the vertebra below.)
• Piriformis Syndrome (a muscle in the buttock that can compress the sciatic nerve if it spasms.)
• Sacro-iliitis (Dysfunction of the sacro-iliac joint can irritate the L5 nerve root)
• Rarer causes of sciatica may include pregnancy, spinal tumour, scar tissue, or infection.

Exercises For Sciatica
It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis from your health care professional before starting any exercises, particularly if you are suffering with sciatica. There is not much point in stretching your Piriformis muscle if you have a disc herniation! And this is exactly why you have to be very careful before attempting any exercise regime. There is a real possibility that you could aggravate your condition if you do the wrong thing.
Below are some exercises that will help to relieve sciatica, relevant to the cause. Try to start exercising as soon as possible, within a few days of the sciatica flaring up. The longer you leave it the worse the condition becomes.
Sciatica Exercises for Piriformis Syndrome.
If the piriformis muscle, which is located in your buttock, is to tight or spasming, it can compress the sciatic nerve causing sciatica like symptoms.
Piriformis Stretch
By stretching the piriformis you can help to relieve this nerve pressure and get some relief.
Lie on your back with your legs stretched out flat. Cross the foot on the affected side over the other knee, then pull the unaffected leg towards your chest. Hold for 10-30 seconds then relax back down. You will feel a stretch, but it should not be painful, if it is then just back off a bit.
Sciatica Exercises for a Herniated Disc.
Often relief from sciatica that is caused by a herniated disc can be achieved by extending or arching the spine.
First off, try this in a standing position with your hands on your hips, and just gently arch backwards over your hands.
If you have any pain aggravation then do not do this exercise. If it is okay, after doing this for 2-3 days you can progress to doing extension exercises on the floor.
Back Extensions
Lie on your tummy, and gently lift your head and shoulders off the floor using your back muscles and propping your self up on your elbows for 10 seconds.
Begin this one very carefully and slowly as it can be quite painful at the start.
For some people, raising their painful leg is beneficial.
Lying flat on your back, slowly attempt to raise the affected leg 6 to 12 inches off the floor and hold there for 10 seconds.
This is also good to strengthen the abdominal muscles, which are important spinal stabilisers.
Sciatica Exercises for Degenerative Disc Disease.
The best exercises for DDD are stretching exercises to help to improve spinal flexibility.
Low Back Stretch
Start in a kneeling position, then sit back onto you feet.
Stretch your arms out in front of you along the floor.
Feel the stretch in your low back and hold for 10 seconds.
Move back onto your hands and knees, then gently lift one leg behind you as far as you comfortably can.
Kneeling Leg Raise
Hold for 10 seconds then do the same on the other side.
All the previous exercises are also helpful for Degenerative Disc Disease, as is walking.
Sciatica Exercises for Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is often a result of degenerative changes in the spine, so all the above exercises can be of benefit.
Try them all, you should find that some feel good and some feel bad. Simply, don't do the bad ones, and do the good ones! Everybody is different, so try them for yourself.
Sciatica Exercises for Spondylolisthesis.
The idea of these exercises for spondylolisthesis is to teach the spine to be more stable in flexion and extension movements (backwards and forwards). Abdominal strength is key!
Leg Raise
Start lying flat on your back, slowly attempt to raise the affected leg 6 to 12 inches off the floor and hold there for 10 seconds.
Repeat with the other leg.
Tummy Sucks
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent. Notice that your lower back is arched up off the floor slightly.
Suck your tummy in, and press your lower back onto the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
Sit-ups are great for really getting your abs strong.
Lying on the floor as above, lift your upper body (head and shoulders) off the floor by curling up.
Don't try to lift to high, just enough to get your shoulders slightly off the floor. Repeat 10 times.
You can do more sets of 10 as you get better!
Sciatica Exercises for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.
Inflammation of the Sacro-iliac joint can cause sciatica like symptoms. This is usually the result of abnormal joint movement and can be assisted by stretching.
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Pull the knee on the affected side up to your chest as far as you can, then hold for 10 seconds.
You can also pull the knee across your body towards the opposite shoulder to amplify the stretch.
Before beginning any exercise program, particularly exercises for sciatica, you should see a health professional to get a correct diagnosis for your pain to rule out any potentially serious problems.
The proper exercises differ based on the underlying condition that is causing the sciatic pain, so patients should not try to self-treat their sciatica before consulting a health professional.
Dr Bradley Moore
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Back Pain: Understanding Sciatica Pain for a Cure

By CaSandra Poulos

To find the cure for sciatica you first have to start understanding its nature. This seems to be a very simple task but there a number of people who interpret sciatica as a simple back problem. However, it is different compared to a regular backache. Sciatica can be described as a piercing kind of pain and electric shocks and aches. This is from the inflammation that starts from the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the main nerve that conducts sensory functions from the lower spine all the way down to the feet.
The role of the sciatic nerve in the human body is very crucial as it is responsible for relaying information to the brain. It is responsible for coordinating movement control and sensory responses of the legs and feet. There are many probable reasons for the onset of sciatica. The most common disorder is known as a herniated spinal disc. The disc serves as a cushion to the spine vertebra. However, if the disc slips out of its original place, it occupies the space designated for the nerves. Compression starts, and sciatica develops. Other examples of conditions that trigger sciatica are piriformis syndrome and spinal stenosis.
The cure for sciatica is never the same for all victims. Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying cause. The first step towards a sciatica cure is finding out the specific condition. Consult an experienced physician regarding sciatica. Creating an effective cure will begin with a complete medical history evaluation, followed by medical examinations like an X-ray and MRI. These tests are given only if the doctor deems them to be necessary.
To cure sciatica is to address the inflammation. Medical experts recommend simple bed rest and avoiding strenuous activities. Medications for anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing purposes are often prescribed to the patient. In severe cases of sciatica, oral steroids for a more aggressive dosage of anti-inflammation are prescribed. Patients may also opt for an epidural steroid injection. This can be a direct anti-inflammatory cure for sciatica. Some conservative patients of sciatica prefer heat and ice packs application to the irritated area to cure the pain.
Addressing the pain and inflammation are partial cures of sciatica. Many health professionals encourage patients to conduct carefully designed exercises mixed in with physical therapy sessions. This will help prevent future sciatica episodes.
A surgical procedure for the sciatica cure is probably the final option for patients. In a number of instances, surgical treatment is not needed. However, it needs to be seriously considered if sciatica is not cured after around three to four months of following non-surgical cure approaches.
Sciatica surgery aims to avoid compression, therefore providing the usual space for the sciatic nerve to function normally. The surgeon may need to clear a bone surrounding the nerve or remove a damaged disc. Fortunately, a good percentage of people are fully cured from sciatica without needing to undergo surgery. These are the people whose sciatic nerves are not injured permanently. The time frame to cure sciatica pain is from three weeks to a couple of months for most cases. Sciatica in a mild or moderate form is not considered a medical emergency but the pain and discomfort it brings can impede someone from living a normal life. Therefore, the best bet is to seek the advice of your doctor when you have the first symptoms of sciatica and then learn as much as you can about the treatment options that are bast for you.
CaSandra Poulos is the author of "Cure For Sciatica: The Definitive Guide to Sciatica Pain and Treatment" and offers a free "Cure For Sciatica" email mini-course at [http://www.cureforsciaticapain.org]
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