Sciatica is the pain that affects your lower back pain, and extends down the leg. It affects the lower body, because the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. As you may have noticed, the symptoms of sciatica appear just one part of the body, but in some cases the pain can be felt in both sides.
Some of the symptoms include lower back pain, pain in the lower limbs that aggravates while sitting, weakness, numbness, difficulty moving, constant pain in one side of the rear, and pain that makes it difficult for a person to stand. The pain often occurs as a result of the pressure the herniated disc applies on the sciatic nerve. The pain can be also caused by lumbar spinal stenosis, pregnancy, tumors, and trauma. But, sometimes even health professionals can’t determine the cause.
The hidden cause
The piriformis muscle is set in the gluteal portion of the lower limb. It’s one of the six muscles that belong to the lateral rotator group. It’s woven through the bone and the other muscles, and it’s often missed when professionals diagnose the condition. Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that is triggered by the compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. It’s accompanied with pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttock, posterior thigh, and lower leg. If the piriformis muscle causes the sciatica pain, it can be relieved without surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
Treat sciatica efficiently
Every muscle is designed to move, and the same applies to the piriformis. Stretching is an excellent way to relieve tense muscles, and it also reduces both the inflammation and the pain. Try these exercises to strengthen your piriformis.
- Lie on your back, and keep your legs flat. Pull the aching leg towards your chest, and hold your left knee with your left hand. Gasp the ankle with your other hand. Pull the knee towards the opposite leg, until your leg is stretched. Your ankle and the knee shouldn’t be forced too much. Hold in this position for half a minute, and return to the initial position. Do three repetitions
- Lie on the floor and cross the aching leg over your other leg at the knees. Keep your both legs bent. Pull the lower knee towards your shoulder at the same side of the body. Hold in this position for half a minute, and return to the initial position. Do three repetitions.
Non-invasive treatment
- Devil’s claw belongs to the sesame family, and it grows in southern Africa. Its roots and tubers contain anti-inflammatory compounds that work well in the treatment of arthritis, headache, and lower back pain. The plant is available in healthy food stores, and you can find it in both capsule form and powder. It’s not recommended for people who are diagnosed with peptic ulcers and blood thinners.
- Hot and cold therapy reduces the inflammation, and relieves pain. Hold an ice pack on the aching area for 10 minutes. Then hold an electric pad for 10 minutes, and replace it with an ice pack again. This treatment improves blood flow, and relaxes the muscles.
- John’s Wort contains antidepressants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s available in healthy food stores. Massage the affected area with St. John’s Wort oil.
For optimal results, combine these treatments.