How To Live With Sciatica Nerve Pain
August 11th, 2011 | Author: Pain
For many people, learning how to live with sciatica nerve pain is a necessity. There are many methods you can use to help minimize the associated pain. Below you will find just a few of the many. As always, it is important that you visit a physician to learn what the root cause of your sciatica pain is.
1. If you have to remain at your desk for long periods of time at work or home it is better to wear soft soled shoes with low heels instead of high heels so that your weight is distributed more evenly throughout your feet and legs.
2. Roll a small towel and place it in your chair before sitting down. This will help cushion the lower back.
3. If your work requires you to remain sitting then you need to take some short breaks throughout the day and walk around for a few minutes.
4. You can try raising one leg by having a small foot stool under your desk and alternate your legs. This way both of your legs can get some much needed relief.
5. When sitting down you can lie back in a semi-lying position. You should extend your legs under your desk. This helps to keep the S-Shaped curve of your back.
6. If you have to drive for long periods of time you should use a rolled up towel or small pillow to support your back. You should also slide your seat as far forward as possible so that your feet are closer to the pedals. This will also keep you from having to bend forward while you are driving.
7. If your children are complaining of a hurting back their backpack could be too heavy for them. To check this, the backpack should not weigh anymore than 20% of the child’s total body weight.
8. Don’t take long daytime naps.
9. If you do daily exercises don’t do ones that require you to twist or bend. If any exercise causes you pain then stop that exercise as you may worsen your condition.
10. Apply heat directly to the area that is hurting. This is the most effective when the pain first starts. A heating pad can be used and it should be at least 104 degrees fareinheit. If the pain is continuous throughout the day you can use heat wraps. If you are able to apply direct for a minimum of 8 hours this will speed up the recovery of acute attacks of pain.
11. If your pain is specifically in your lower back you can alternate cold and hot packs. Use one for three or four minutes and then use the other one for the same amount of time.
12. If your back muscles are weak because of illness, injury, or poor physical fitness then wearing a back belt may help. This should be viewed as a short term option however as it will cause your muscles to become weaker if worn for a long period of time.
13. If you are having problems going to sleep at night then you should engage in some type of relaxation technique before you go to bed. Yoga is a great relaxation technique. If possible you should try to find a private yoga teacher in your area.
14. Ibuprofen or aspirin can be used to lessen the severity of the pain associated with your sciatica.
This is not an all inclusive list however if you can incorporate some of these into your daily life it will help you live more comfortably with your sciatica nerve pain.