Do you have a desk job? Beware of sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that causes an ache or tingling down the back, hips, thighs and all the way through the legs. This pain is usually the result of a compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This is the longest nerve in the body. If you look around, you will notice that many people around you seem to be complaining of this kind of pain. One major reason for this may be long sitting hours.
Most people with desk jobs tend to sit continuously in one position without moving. This may affect or even damage the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica pain. A sedentary lifestyle and long hours before the television also contributes to this problem.
What you need to do is move around, get up at regular intervals, do some stretches or at least get an ergonomic chair. But first, let us see what sciatica is all about.
Causes and Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by a compressed sciatic nerve; this compression can occur due to the herniation of the lumbar disc and other conditions like:
Irritation of the nerve from adjacent bones
Tumours
Internal bleeding
Infections
Degenerative arthritis
Piriformis syndrome
Spondylolisthesis
Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower spine down the back of the legs causing discomfort, pain and tingling along the sciatic nerve and its branches.
Diagnosis of Sciatica
The diagnosis of sciatica involves a series of muscle tests and the following imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of sciatica:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Spinal X-ray to determine the presence of tumours
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Treatment of Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition, which means that its treatment begins with identifying the root cause of the pain.
Here are some common treatment strategies that many people follow:
Home remedies like stretching, simple exercises, alternating hot and cold packs, over-the-counter pain medications and rest
Physical therapy for sciatica pain that may last for more than a week
More aggressive treatments like prescription pain medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Natural remedies, acupuncture and massage to relieve pain and inflammation
Maintaining a good posture is essential for preventing back pain and related conditions. It is also essential to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Individuals with sciatica may also benefit from yoga, which offers numerous poses for maintaining good posture.
Most people with desk jobs tend to sit continuously in one position without moving. This may affect or even damage the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica pain. A sedentary lifestyle and long hours before the television also contributes to this problem.
What you need to do is move around, get up at regular intervals, do some stretches or at least get an ergonomic chair. But first, let us see what sciatica is all about.
Causes and Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by a compressed sciatic nerve; this compression can occur due to the herniation of the lumbar disc and other conditions like:
Irritation of the nerve from adjacent bones
Tumours
Internal bleeding
Infections
Degenerative arthritis
Piriformis syndrome
Spondylolisthesis
Pregnancy
Sciatic nerve pain is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower spine down the back of the legs causing discomfort, pain and tingling along the sciatic nerve and its branches.
Diagnosis of Sciatica
The diagnosis of sciatica involves a series of muscle tests and the following imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of sciatica:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Spinal X-ray to determine the presence of tumours
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Treatment of Sciatica
Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition, which means that its treatment begins with identifying the root cause of the pain.
Here are some common treatment strategies that many people follow:
Home remedies like stretching, simple exercises, alternating hot and cold packs, over-the-counter pain medications and rest
Physical therapy for sciatica pain that may last for more than a week
More aggressive treatments like prescription pain medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Natural remedies, acupuncture and massage to relieve pain and inflammation
Maintaining a good posture is essential for preventing back pain and related conditions. It is also essential to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Individuals with sciatica may also benefit from yoga, which offers numerous poses for maintaining good posture.