Do you have a desk job? Beware of sciatica

From thehealthsite.com

Do you have an ache that radiates from your back to your legs? It may be sciatica and your long sitting hours may have something to do with it.

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.

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/sciatica/do-you-have-a-desk-job-beware-of-sciatica-718152/

8 Strengthening and Mobility Moves to Help Ease Sciatica Pain

From yahoo.com/lifestyle

Shooting, burning, tingling aches down the legs on a regular basis . . . that's the painful reality for those suffering from sciatica.

The condition is relatively common, associated with irritated nerves, bones, or disks in the lower back muscles and spine, Dr. Charles Kim, MD, a physiatrist and pain management specialist at NYU Langone Sports Health, explains.

While Dr. Kim urges those with sciatica to avoid motions and exercise that cause and increase the painful symptoms until they subside, he says that strengthening the core muscles can help prevent future sciatica flare-ups.

Sam Becourtney, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning coach associated with Bespoke Treatments NYC, agrees that the right moves can strengthen the soft tissue structures surrounding the spine and decrease pain.

                Photo taken on sunset in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe. Sporty young woman                                                                          having back pains during workout.

Since sciatica greatly varies from person to person, Becourtney stresses the importance of easing into exercises slowly and getting any moves approved by your doctor. Activities that exacerbate any sciatica symptoms such as "forward flexions" should be avoided until symptoms start to subside and tolerance for this position increases.

When treating sciatica, it's important to find an appropriate balance of strength training and mobility exercises to help protect the spine and reduce further nerve root inflammation, Becourney explains.

To get you started, he's created a general exercise plan around this concept that you can try at home or in the gym.

Mobility

Prone Press Ups:

Lay on the floor on your stomach with elbows bent and hands by your armpits. Keeping your hips on the ground, press your chest off of the ground, extending the lower back to the point of tolerance. Perform three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, with a one- to two-second hold at the top as you exhale.

Cat-Cow:

Start on your hands and knees in a quadruped position with a neutral spine. Arch your back while trying to go one vertebra at a time, and then reverse this motion to round your spine. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, being cautious to only go in small ranges initially as there might be increased pain at end ranges, particularly when rounding.

Lumbar "Windshield Wipers":

Start on your back with knees bent, feet together and arms out to the side. Keeping your shoulders and upper back on the ground, exhale and bring your knees to one side, then back to the middle and reverse to the other direction. Perform one to three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.

Sciatic Nerve Flossing:

Start seated in a chair with back against a chair or wall. Bring your chin down to your chest, then extend your one knee to straighten your leg in front of you. Perform two to three sets of 10 repetitions for each leg. It's important to note that the chin down, knee straight, toes pointed up combination will be the most provocative on the nerve, and thus you may need to start with a regressed version without the toes up or without the chin bent down until symptoms decrease.

Strength

Transverse Abdominis Pushdown:

On your back with both knees bent in the air in a 90-90 tabletop position, gently push into your thighs with both hands to engage the deep core musculature. Perform two to three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions, holding the contraction for two to three seconds without holding your breath.

Reverse Marches:

Start on your back with knees bent in the air in a 90-90 tabletop position and core engaged. From this position, alternate tapping the heel of each foot down to the ground one at a time, making sure to keep the core muscles engaged the entire time. Perform three sets of eight to 12 repetitions on each leg.

Side-Lying Clamshells:

Perform this exercise on your side with or without a resistance loop band just above your knees. Keep your hips stacked and feet together, and lift the top knee off of the bottom one, pushing against the band's resistance. Perform three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions per side, making sure not to allow your hips to roll back as you fatigue.

Bird Dogs:

Start on your hands and knees with hands directly underneath your shoulders and find a "neutral" spine where you are neither rounded nor excessively arched. While maintaining this spinal position, extend one arm forward as you extend the opposite leg back, then switch sides and repeat. Perform two to three sets of six to eight repetitions per side.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/sciatica-113918720.html

Steps for Easing Sciatica Pain

From newsmax.com

During his last year with the Los Angeles Lakers (2013-14), Hall of Fame point guard Steve Nash was harassed by fans for posting a picture of himself swinging a golf club.

Apparently the fans thought if he could do that, what's the excuse for missing more than 100 games because of serious back woes (bulging, torn discs) since becoming a Laker in 2012.

Nash’s response: “I suffer from sciatica and after games I often can't sit in the car on the drive home. There is an incredible difference between this game [basketball] and swinging a golf club.”

Sciatica affects around 40% of adults at some point in their life. Often, it's caused by a herniated disc in the lower back that's compressing a nerve root, but it can also be caused by spinal stenosis or a spasm of the piriformis or another muscle deep in the buttocks.

Whatever the cause, sciatica can trigger excruciating pain down the back of the leg, along with tingling, weakness, or numbness.

Fortunately, most people recover in three to 12 months with physical therapy. But it's important to take these steps to help speed recovery:

• First, get your prescription for physical therapy and combine flexibility training with aerobics and strength training. Aim for improved core strength and better posture to support your spine.

• Ask your doctor about taking an anti-inflammatory to ease discomfort so you can exercise.

• Manage your weight so you don't put extra strain on back and leg muscles.

• Don't sit too much. Stand to work and play as much as possible.

https://www.newsmax.com/Health/dr-oz/sciatica-pain-physical-therapy-Dr-Oz/2019/12/03/id/944276/

Instant home remedies for sciatica nerve pain: 9 effective and natural ways to help tackle the problem

From timesnownews.com

The most common signs and symptoms of sciatica include numbness in the upper thighs, tingling sensation in the feet, weakness in the thigh, leg and foot muscles

Sciatica is a term that describes symptoms of pain radiating along the sciatic nerve (ischiadic nerve). It runs down one or both legs from your derrière. If not treated properly, acute sciatica may eventually turn into chronic sciatica. If ischiadic or sciatic nerve gets damaged, it could result in numbness and weakness in the knees or legs.

Signs & symptoms of sciatica include:

• Lower back pain and a constant dull ache.
• Weakness in the thigh, leg and foot muscles.
• Difficulty moving the leg or foot.
• Pain may extend to the feet or toes.
• Numbness in the upper thighs.
• An abnormal sensation felt on the skin.
• Discomfort in the lower back that comes and goes.
• Tingling sensation in the feet and toes.

       Here are home remedies for sciatica that work really fast  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

What causes sciatica?

1. Lumbar spinal stenosis: Lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms may include cramping in the calves with walking and pain may improve with bending forward or sitting.
2. Degenerative disc disease: Degenerative disc disease symptoms include pain that affects the low back, buttocks, and thighs.
3. Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis symptoms include muscle tightness and stiffness and pain in the buttocks
4. Pregnancy: Sciatic pain symptoms are common with low back pain in pregnancy.
5. Muscle spasm can also cause sciatica pain.
6. It's usually caused when bone spur in the spine presses on the nerve.
7. Sciatica can occur from various reasons such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis,  herniated disc, and isthmic spondylolisthesis.

How can you avoid sciatica?

Taking proper rest is advisable by physiotherapists because walking can increase sciatic pain by stimulating the release of endorphins into your system.

Natural home remedies for sciatica:

1. Maintain proper posture when you sit because poor sitting posture is a common cause of sciatica.
2. Exercise regularly can help to relieve sciatica pain.
3. Physiotherapy can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
4. Pain relievers only advisable if it is suggested by the medical practitioners.
5. Exercise and physical therapy can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
6. Applying heat or ice pack can reduce inflammation.
7. Give yourself a massage therapy is an effective way to relieve pain because it reduces pressure on your sciatic nerve.
8. Sitting spinal stretch helps create space in the spine to relieve pressure.
9. Standing hamstring stretch can help ease pain and tightness in the hamstring.

When to visit a doctor?

In most cases, sciatica disappears on its own within a few weeks. If sciatica signs or symptoms such as lower back pain, muscle weakness in your leg, pain may extend to the foot or toes, and numbness in the upper thighs persist for more than two weeks without improvement and make your routine tasks difficult, it is time to consult a doctor or medical practitioner for an examination.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/instant-home-remedies-for-sciatica-nerve-pain-9-effective-and-natural-ways-to-help-tackle-the-problem/520735

What to know about sharp lower back pain

From medicalnewstoday.com

Sharp lower back pain is a common source of discomfort for many people. It can cause concern to some people, especially when it appears without a known cause

Lower back pain is a widespread problem. About 80 percent of adults will experience lower back pain at some point.

In most cases, people develop back pain after doing something strenuous, such as lifting a heavy box, weightlifting, or making a quick twisting or jerking motion involving the back.

The level of the injury and the severity of the pain may affect the type of treatment a person needs. Sometimes, minor cases of sharp lower back resolve by themselves, but some people may require a visit to the doctor and physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and prevent future injury.

Keep reading to learn more about some different causes of sharp lower back pain and how to treat them.

Causes

Many different muscles, bones, and connective tissues meet in the back. This means that individuals may experience a wide variety of symptoms in the lower back. Small variations in the way a person experiences pain may help a doctor identify the source of the pain.

Muscle strains

A muscle strain might happen as the result of a simple action, such as bending down to pick something up or twisting while holding something heavy.

A person may experience a sharp pain that causes a burning or tingling sensation or a radiating ache. They may also feel they have a stiff back, aching muscles, and pain that gets worse if they twist or move the back.

Muscle strains are generally minor injuries and often require little or no treatment.

However, these types of injury generally respond well to rest, which means avoiding physical activity for a few days while the muscles heal. While a muscle strain is healing, avoid sitting in an upright position, such as at the desk, as this may engage the injured muscles.

However, after a few days of rest, physical activity can help strengthen the muscles. A review in Asian Sine Journal notes that both general exercise and exercises specific to the back can help reduce lower back pain. Gentle activities, such as swimming or riding a bike, may help strengthen the muscles and keep the body healthy.

Also, working with a physical therapist to create a gentle workout routine can help strengthen the affected muscles in the back.

Hot or cold packs may help treat symptoms such as swelling and pain. Alternate between 20 minutes of cold and 20 minutes of rest a few times each day for the first few days. Afterward, using a heat pack may help relax the tense muscles and promote circulation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), may also help control symptoms. However, always follow the dosage recommendations and do not use them to work through the pain.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from the back to the legs. Sciatica, which refers to pain in this nerve, occurs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can be due to an injury, such as a herniated disc, or more long-term issues, such as incorrect posture.

Sciatica is relatively common in adults, with between 10-40% of people experiencing it at some point during their lives. It is important not to generalize back pain or assume that any lower back pain is sciatica. Anyone who suspects they have sciatica should see a doctor.

Pain from sciatica may build up over time or come on all at once. It can also vary between a dull ache and an excruciating tearing or burning feeling.
Many describe the pain as warm or sharp, and it typically radiates from one side of the lower back down to the hip or buttocks.

Working with a physical therapist to help strengthen the back muscles might help alleviate pain from sciatica. Practicing proper posture, especially while seated, might gradually strengthen the back and prevent extra pressure on the nerve as well.

Intervertebral disk degeneration

As a person ages, the structures in the body age with them. The rubbery disks that cushion the spine can begin to wear down, often causing pain and stiffness in the back.

Some OTC anti-inflammatory medications and workouts may help relieve pressure on the disks.

Herniated disk

A slipped, or herniated, disk occurs when one of the spinal disks ruptures. This can put pressure on the nerves, which causes intense, sharp pain.

If the disk puts pressure on these nerves, a person might experience symptoms such as:

• tingling pain or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs
• muscle spasms
• weakness in the lower back and legs

Most cases respond well to mild treatment, such as rest and physical therapy. Surgery may be an option in more severe cases.

Serious injury from accidents

Forceful injuries from impact sports, car accidents, and falls may all cause sudden back pain. Anyone who experiences back pain after such an event should visit the doctor right away because the pain might be a sign of something more serious, such as a fractured bone in the back.
Other signs of serious injury in the back can include:

• loss of bladder control
• numbness in the groin or pelvis
• weakness in the legs
• pain when coughing or urinating

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

Other chronic issues

Pain in the lower back may be due to an injury but may also be a sign of a chronic issue, such as:

• poor posture
• scoliosis
• spinal stenosis
• spondylitis
• kidney infection
• kidney stones
• arthritis
• fibromyalgia
• infection of the spine
• spinal cancer

In females, lower back pain might signal a range of conditions, such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cancer.

Situational causes

Back pain is widespread, and most people will experience some form of back pain from a muscle strain at least once in their lives. Back pain may occur due to a variety of seemingly everyday activities or situations, such as:

• lifting a heavy box
• moving furniture
• lifting heavy weights at the gym
• overstretching
• twisting while practicing sports such as tennis or golf
• engaging in physical contact sports
• twisting the back incorrectly while carrying weight
• carrying extra weight from pregnancy
• physical labour, such as agricultural or construction work
• sitting or standing for long periods
• wearing a purse, bag, or backpack over one shoulder

When to see a doctor

Sometimes, a person will know the cause of a sharp lower back pain. It may happen after they bend to pick something up or after an intense workout at the gym. In these cases, rest and home care may be enough to help the body heal.
There are some occasions when a person should see a doctor.
See a doctor if the pain does not respond well to home treatments or if a pain that has no known cause lasts more than a couple days.

Troubling symptoms, such as tingling or weakness in the legs, are signs to visit the doctor, as well.
Take note of any symptoms as they appear to share with the doctor. During the visit, the doctor will likely ask the person to describe their symptoms and how long they have persisted.
They may ask the person to do a series of movements to try and find the exact point of pain in the back and determine the underlying cause.
They may also order imaging tests to help with the diagnosis in some cases, such as X-rays or MRI.

Summary

Experiencing lower back pain is widespread. It often results from incorrect lifting or putting too much strain on the muscles in the back. Some chronic conditions may lead to back pain, as well.
Back pain from more minor injuries and strains generally responds well to home treatments, such as OTC pain relievers, ice, and rest.

Strengthening the muscles with physical therapy may help prevent strain injuries in the future. If the pain does not begin to get better within a few days, it may be time to see a doctor for a full diagnosis.

In each case, working directly with a doctor or physical therapist can help identify and treat the underlying cause of sharp back pain in most people.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327131.php#summary

Back Pains? Get down on your hands and knees

From pattayamail.com

By Dr. Iain Corness

One of the commonest ailments to result in a GP consultation is low back pain. The cause of this is locked in the history of the development of mankind. You see, when we walked on all fours, we didn’t get low back pains at all, because our spines were designed to be horizontal and weight was carried on the back, just like a horse does today. The design of the vertebrae is such that the spine in the horizontal position ‘locks’ to be able to weight bear.

Now, here’s where it all went wrong. We decided we looked much better standing upright and we could walk much quicker using our hind legs only. This meant that our spine was now vertical and we could bend it backwards and forwards. Backwards and the bones all locked together again, but forwards and the vertebrae unlock making the spine unstable.

The next factor was we began to try and lift weights in this new upright position. We bent forwards (unstable) and lifted items like that. The era of low back pains had arrived.
Many generations development of our ancestor (called Homo erectus) kept that low back weakness and we are now Homo sapiens, older but not much wiser. Our spines are still weak. Our lumbar discs cause pain.

Many years ago I was a surgical assistant to a spinal surgeon, and the best description of the surgery was operating at the bottom of a red inkwell. Fortunately modern technology has made removal of a disc an operation that can be carried out as a minimally invasive procedure.

Let’s begin then with the “slipped disc” problem. First thing – discs do not “slip”. They do not shoot out of the spaces between the vertebrae and produce pain that way. The disc actually stays exactly where it is, but the centre of the disc (called the nucleus) pops out forwards through the edge of the disc and hits the nerve root. When this happens you have a very painful condition, as anyone who has had a disc prolapse will tell you. Think of the pain when the dentist starts drilling close to the tiny nerve in your tooth. Well, the sciatic nerve is a large nerve! When the nucleus of the disc hits the sciatic nerve, this produces the condition known as Sciatica – an acute searing pain which can run from the buttocks, down the legs, even all the way through to the toes.

To accurately work out just what is happening requires bringing in specialist doctors who can carry out extremely intricate forms of X-Rays called CT Scans, Spiral CT’s or MRI that will sort out whether it is a disc prolapse, arthritis or another soft tissue problem. The equipment to do these procedures costs millions of baht, and the expertise to use them takes years of practice and experience. This is one reason why some of these investigations can be expensive.

After the definitive diagnosis of your back condition has been made, then appropriate treatment can be instituted. The forms of treatment can be just simply rest and some analgesics (pain killers), physiotherapy, operative intervention or anti-inflammatories and traction.

It is important to find the real cause for your aching back, as well as standing erect. The treatment for some causes can be the wrong form of therapy for some of the other causes. You can see the danger of “self diagnosis” here. Beware!

So what do you do when you get a painful back? Rest and paracetamol is a safe way to begin. If it settles quickly, then just be a little careful with lifting and twisting for a couple of weeks and get on with your life as normal. Might even be a good idea to miss the next couple of golf games. If, however, you are still in trouble after a couple of days rest, then it is time to see your doctor and get that definitive diagnosis. You have been warned!

There is a Spinal Minimally Invasive surgeon in my hospital. One of my colleagues at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya has just had that procedure and was walking pain-free the next day and ran a marathon the week later.

https://www.pattayamail.com/modernmedicine/back-pains-get-down-on-your-hands-and-knees-2-275935

The Best Exercises One Can Perform At Home To Help Ease Back Pain

From ibtimes.com

The ailment has a lot of possible causes. In the case of sciatica, it involves pain within the sciatic nerve region. This nerve runs from the base of the spine to the back of your legs. Various conditions are known to cause sciatica, one of which is a spinal bone spur. The pain can be a dull ache to something akin to an electric shock. Another reason for back pain may be a muscle strain, spinal stenosis, a herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease.

Bad Posture
One of the most common causes of back pain is bad posture while sitting for extended periods. Oftentimes, office workers have this complaint. Health professionals say that sitting in a hunched over or slouched position can cause undue strain to the discs, the fluid-filled material that acts as cushions between the vertebrae.

                                                                             Photo: chaplin77 - Pixabay

Lyndsay Hirst, the owner of Your Pilates Physio, says the prolonged postures can cause back pain. If you move regularly, like standing up, changing positions, or performing sitting exercises, the risk of having back pains greatly decreases.

Performing exercises to strengthen your back can also help ease and even prevent back pain. It also helps strengthen your core, arm, and leg muscles.

In a study by the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, it observed that back pain is among the major health issues in countries in the Western Hemisphere. Research says that around 60 to 80 percent of adults are likely to suffer from it.

Exercise is a Must
The research team also studied the impact of physical activity and exercise on non-specific low back pain. They concluded that exercise or performing physical activities could improve blood flow to your lower back section, reducing the stiff feeling and speeding up the process of healing.

Some of the best home exercises to ease back pain, according to the research team, are knee-to-chest stretch, draw-in manoeuvers, and lower back rotational stretches. Bridges have also been known to work on the gluteus maximus or the large muscle of the buttocks.

In the case of knee-to-chest stretch, the activity helps extend the lower back and alleviates pain and tension in the area. Draw-in manoeuvers, in the meantime, work on the front and side muscles of the abdomen, which stabilizes the lower back region and the spine.

The lower back rotational stretch relieves tension in the trunk and lower back part. It also gradually works on the core muscles, greatly improving stability.

If these home exercises fail to alleviate the pain after several tries, then visiting the doctor is a must. There are cases where the pain is caused by more than just a minor strain or pain. If your daily routine is already jeopardized by the pain, then it is time to see a doctor see what’s wrong.

https://www.ibtimes.com/best-exercises-one-can-perform-home-help-ease-back-pain-2856443

When to See Your Doctor About Leg Pain

From womenfitnessmag.com

Every day, your legs take the most brunt from the activities you undertake. However, you should not experience pain due to this. However, if you experience, you should not ignore it because it could be an indicator of  a serious condition. Leg pains may result from three kinds of conditions – these are ailments that result from bone, joints, and muscle, conditions relating to veins and clots, as well as nerve conditions. So, when should you consider seeing a doctor due to leg pain? Here are situations that require you to seek medical attention:

1.  Blood ClotsWhenever blood thickens and clumps together inside a vein, it turns into a clot. When this happens in a vein that is located deep inside the body, it is referred to as deep vein thrombosis. The majority of deep vein clots occur in the lower part of the leg or on the tight. The possibility of these clots occurring is high among people who remain inactive for extended periods of time, for instance during long car rides or flights.

Persons who smoke, are overweight or are on certain medications are predisposed to blood clots. What makes deep vein clots highly risky is the fact that clots can break and get into the bloodstream then travel through the artery to the lungs. If this happens, the clot blocks the flow of blood – causing a serious condition known as pulmonary embolism. Some steps that you can take to prevent deep vein clots are weight loss, support stockings, and medication. If you suspect that you have developed a blood clot, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

2.  Peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities

This is a condition that occurs when arteries that feed the legs get hardened and damaged. When the arteries get blocked or become narrow, the legs do not get sufficient blood. This causes the lower parts of the legs to cramp. As a result, pain is experienced during exercise, walking or climbing stairs. At the onset of this condition, patients can manage with taking rest. However, is the arteries are severely blocked or narrowed; the pain remains persistent and would do not heal as they should.
Persons who are at risk of developing this condition are people who are obese, smokers and persons who have high cholesterol, are diabetic or have high blood pressure. If you develop this condition, you need to see a doctor. There are instances where surgery may be required after hours doctors services but treatment includes medicines to control diabetes, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In addition to medication, making lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, quitting smoking, managing weight and exercising can help.

3.  Varicose veins
These are common conditions that many are familiar with because they show on the skin surface. The veins have a twisted, purple or dark blue appearance that results from a weak vein and valve walls. Persons who have this condition tend to experience dull aches after standing. Some pain-relieving treatments include the use of support stockings and switching between sitting and standing throughout the day. In addition to these medications, patients should see a doctor to access other kinds of treatment, particularly when the varicose veins are extremely painful.

4.  Narrowed spinal canal and sciatica
There are instances where nerve problems can be a cause of leg problems. One of these problems is the narrowed spinal canal that results from spinal arthritis, and sciatica that developed when there is pressure on nerve roots due to the push by the herniated disc. Some of the common signs of sciatica are numbness, weakness, tingling, fatigue and leg pain that is associated with burning and cramping of the leg when a person stands or sits.

This pain can start from the hip and the back, then extend to the legs later. While taking rest can help with other leg pains, it does not help much with sciatica. Rather, this condition requires a patient to see a doctor who may recommend medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Patients are also advised to rest for several days. Stretching exercises and physical therapy as well as cold and help do help with relieving some symptoms. If there are no changes and the pain does not reduce, doctors may recommend surgery or change medication.

5.  Diabetic neuropathy
This is a complication that develops due to diabetes where nerves get damaged by high levels of blood sugar. The condition causes pain on both legs coupled with reduced sensation and numbness on the lower parts of the legs. If you have this condition, it’s important that you see your doctor right away for pain control treatment as well as medications to manage blood sugar levels.

https://www.womenfitnessmag.com/when-to-see-your-doctor-about-leg-pain/

Fresh Start to Fitness: A workout to help alleviate sciatic nerve pain

From kutv.com

(KUTV)- The sciatic nerve, which originates in the lumbar spine and runs through the buttocks down both legs, is the longest and widest nerve in the body. Intermountain Medical Centre exercise specialist, Jeffrey Beck says because it is so long, people who suffer from sciatica can experience pain along the entire length of the nerve.

Beck suggests completing the following moves several times per week in order to reduce sciatic nerve pain.

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1) Sciatic Nerve Floss: This move can help relieve sciatic pain by massaging the trapped nerve. Sit on a chair in a slouched position with both legs hanging off the edge. Place your hand on your thighs. Extend your knee with the leg that ails you and look up with your head. Next, lower your leg while bending your neck down. This constitutes one repetition. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps.

2) Cat & Cow: This move helps decompress the lower back. Begin by kneeling on all fours with your hands positioned under your shoulders and your knees positioned directly below your hips. Exhale and arch your spine gently. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Inhale and tighten your core muscles while you round your back. Hold this position for 5 seconds. This constitutes one repetition. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps.

3) Standing Twist: Stand facing a chair. Pick up your foot of the leg that ails you and place it on the seat of the chair. Twist gently to the right, placing your left hand on your right thigh and your right hand on right hip. Hold for five seconds and release. This constitutes one repetition. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps.

https://kutv.com/features/health/workouts-on-the-web/fresh-start-to-fitness-a-workout-to-help-alleviate-sciatic-nerve-pain