If you’ve ever experienced sciatica pain, you know how debilitating this type of pain can be. It can dramatically affect your quality of life, leaving you in pain and unable to do the things you need to do on a daily basis. Not only do you feel pain from this issue, but you also may experience some tingling sensations. Instead of relying heavily on pain medications that may not work correctly and may leave you still longing for full relieve, there are some other things you can do to relieve your sciatica pain and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Change Positions Often
Remaining in the same position for long periods of time can actually cause your sciatica pain to get worse. This is because pressure is placed on the same areas of your spine for prolonged periods. This is why it’s so important to move around on a regular basis. This is even more important for those who work an office job or may sit at a desk for a majority of the day. Walking around and stretching a bit once an hour or every other hour can have a dramatic impact on the number of sciatica symptoms you experience.
Work on Your Hips
The condition of your hips can also play a role in how much sciatica pain you may experience. If your hips are weak, there is more pressure on the spinal cord and you’re more likely to experience symptoms of pain and numbness. Improving your mobility can also help. Taking regular walks or talking to your doctor about simple exercises you can do a lot to improve the strength and mobility in your hips, helping you enjoy less pain and fewer symptoms associated with your sciatica.
Increase Spine Flexibility
A flexible spine is less apt to fall victim to pinching the sciatic nerve, causing the symptoms of sciatica. However, any time you are targeting your spine, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure you don’t cause any serious damage. There are some exercises that help promote a more flexible spine, but before you start doing them on a regular basis, it’s essential to talk to your doctor to ensure you know your limitations. You may also want to work with a personal trainer or medical professional who can teach you the correct way to perform the exercises for the best results and minimal risk of injury to your spine.
See a Professional
While sciatica can affect individuals briefly, if you’ve experienced the symptoms for more than three days, it’s time to make an appointment with a medical professional. Sciatica impacts the musculoskeletal system, so you should make an appointment with someone who is trained in these conditions. Chiropractors are a great option for these treatments because they specialize in the musculoskeletal conditions and natural ways to alleviate the symptoms and heal the body. Unlike traditional doctors, these medical professionals are less likely to prescribe medication that simply masks the symptoms and are more likely to help you get lasting results.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms of sciatica, contact the professionals at Integrated Wellness to help you get the examination and treatment you need, so you can experience less pain and fewer of the other symptoms often associated with sciatica.
