Back pain: The best treatment for shooting pain down your lower back to your leg

From express.co.uk

BACK pain can radiate from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down your leg. This uncomfortable sensation is known as sciatica - and here's what you can do about it.

Mr Panos Liantis, Consultant Spinal Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital (part of HCA UK), is an expert on sciatica. Here, he shares his medical knowledge on the condition.

"Sciatica is a debilitating condition," Mr Liantis began. "The patient experiences pain and/or paraesthesia [tingling or prickling] in the distribution of the sciatic nerve."

The sciatic nerve "is the largest nerve in the human body". Formed by the union of five nerve roots from the lower spine, it extends all the way from the lower spine to the sole of the feet.

"The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or bulging lumbar intervertebral disc," detailed Mr Liantis. He explained frequent "lifting while bending" can increase a person's risk of sciatica.

"Depending on the underlying cause of the sciatica, bending the body backward or walking more than a short distance will often aggravate sciatic symptoms," Mr Liantis explained.

This is especially true when the root cause is spinal stenosis – a narrowing of the spaces within your spine.

                                                            Back pain could be a sign of sciatica (Image: Getty)

Those with a lumbar herniated disc may encounter painful symptoms when bending the body forward.

Pressure on the nerve root causes the pain associated with the condition, so trying not to aggravate the nerve would be beneficial.

"Bed rest could provide some symptomatic relief but does not result in faster recovery and therefore is no longer recommended," he added.

Luckily, acute sciatica tends to resolve itself within two weeks, but some people may not be as fortunate.

There are lots of treatment options available, including "analgesics" – i.e. pain killers.

Other methods of alleviating the painful symptoms include "acupuncture, epidural steroid injections, spinal manipulation and traction therapy".

In addition, someone may want to try "physical therapy or behavioural treatment". "Surgical intervention for sciatica focuses on removal of disc herniation," Mr Liantis noted.

                         The sciatica nerve runs from the spine to the sole of the feet (Image: Getty)

This option is only considered if conservative treatment methods aren't working after eight weeks.

There are certain risk factors that make a person more prone to developing sciatica.

People between the ages of 45 to 65 are more at risk of the condition, as too are those who smoke, and people who encounter frequent exposure to vibration from vehicles.

In Mr Liantis practice, he noticed that 60 percent of patients recover from sciatica within three months.

He found that 70 percent of patients can heal from the condition within 13 months.

However, for those badly affected, up to 30 percent of patients continue to feel the pain for longer than a year.

If you suffer from sciatica for longer than two weeks, it's highly recommended to see a professional. Consultants, such as Mr Liantis, can offer the best treatments suited to your individual needs to reduce painful symptoms.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1340197/Back-pain-treatment-sciatica-acupuncture-painkiller

13 remedies for back pain during pregnancy

From openaccessgovernment.org

Here, Bodytonic Clinic share their top 13 ways that women can alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy-related back pain as recommended by experts

It is very common for pregnant women to experience back pain, especially during the early trimesters of their pregnancy. In fact, 50% of women will experience back pain during pregnancy, in some capacity. Unfortunately, back pain can be very irritating and uncomfortable to deal with, especially whilst managing your other pregnancy symptoms too. To help you through this time, Bodytonic Clinic has brought you their top tips for dealing with back pain through your pregnancy.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

Your body undergoes a lot of physical changes during pregnancy which can put some strain on your body and back. First of all, your ligaments loosen and stretch as your body prepares itself for going into labour, which affects your posture and can place strain on your joints. Weight gain and increased fluid retention can also put pressure on the sciatica nerve, causing sciatica, which is a type of pain that runs from your lower back and hips to your feet.

Later on, in pregnancy, most women will experience a shift in their centre of gravity due to weight gain, which can lead to bad posture. You might find yourself leaning backwards more often, for example, placing strain on your back. This weight gain might also cause your muscles to tighten which can also cause discomfort in your lower and upper back.

All of these changes are a normal part of pregnancy, however, and luckily, there are a few different ways that you can relieve your back pain safely whilst pregnant.

Ways to safely relieve back pain whilst pregnant

1. Pregnancy massage

When your posture changes in pregnancy, your muscles adapt to this new posture which can result in compression on the sciatic nerve which runs down your lower back and leg. A pregnancy massage can be effective in loosening the muscles in this area and release some of the pressure on this nerve. It’s also the perfect way to treat yourself to some self-care before the baby arrives!

2. Stretches

Regular stretching is a good way to loosen as well as strengthen the muscles in your back, easing back pain and preventing it from occurring in the future. Try adding some gentle pregnancy stretches into your usual exercise routine to build up strength in your back. Remember, because of the increase in the relaxin hormone in your body during pregnancy, it’s important to be careful whilst exercising. Your body might be more flexible than it usually is, however this can make it easier to overstretch and injure yourself.

3. Prenatal yoga

To get some assistance in your stretching, why not join a prenatal yoga class? As well as stretching your muscles, in prenatal yoga, you will also teach you some breathing exercises and meditation techniques which can be effective for pain relief. Prenatal yoga is also effective in reducing stress and anxiety, helping you to mentally as well as physically prepare for your child’s arrival.

4. Sleep

Sleep is very restorative, especially during pregnancy. Whilst sleeping, the chemical properties in your body replenish, which is essential for healing and pain relief. It’s important that pregnant women get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, especially if you’re struggling with pain in your back. Make sure that your mattress is firm and supportive of your back, to avoid backache and to improve sleep quality.

5. Meditation

Meditation can be very effective for pain relief. Practising breathing techniques whilst meditating can help unclench tense muscles in your back and help to decrease your perception of pain. Practising meditation will teach you to focus on something calming such as the ocean and waves, which can be effective pain-relief when experiencing back pain and for during labour too.

6. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy which has proven to be beneficial in pregnancy. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into different points of the body which stimulates the nerves and other tissues to release endorphins. This can change the processing of pain to the brain and spinal cord. You should speak to your GP before trying acupuncture. When going to an acupuncture appointment, make sure that the acupuncture therapist knows you are pregnant beforehand.

7. Improving your posture

Many pregnant women find that their posture changes as their centre of gravity shifts forward whilst pregnant. This means that you might find yourself leaning backwards a lot, which can place strain on your back. The best way to avoid this is to work on your posture. When standing, hold your head straight, keep your shoulders back and your chest forward. Try to also keep your knees straight but not locked and pull in your stomach. When sitting, keep your back straight and shoulders back, and try to sit as far back in your chair as possible. You can also consider getting a back support if you struggle to find a comfortable position whilst sitting.

8. Changing your shoes

To accommodate for your growing body, you might need to reassess the types and styles of shoes you are wearing. You should be wearing shoes that provide good stability and support, as this will help you to manage the shift in gravity you experience in pregnancy.

9. Change sleeping position

Back pain can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. To help ease back pain, there are some sleeping positions that you can try. One is to bend your knees whilst sleeping to ease the pressure on your back, or you can try placing a pillow between your legs whilst sleeping. You could also consider getting a pregnancy pillow to sleep with, which are designed to provide extra support to your body and back.

10. Hot and cold compresses

To ease your back pain, you can try using a hot and cold compress on your back. Applying first hot and then cold compresses to the area that is sore, can lower the body temperature helping to constrict the blood vessels, reduce swelling and decrease inflammation in your muscles. However, make sure to consult a health professional such as your GP or midwife before trying this, because it is not safe to apply heat to certain parts of the body such as your abdomen whilst pregnant.

11. Exercise

Although rest is important whilst pregnant, so is exercise. Staying active is great for back pain, especially low-impact exercises such as yoga and pilates. These types of exercises are great for building up the muscles in your back and for improving your posture. You could also try pregnancy aqua-exercises because the water makes any high-impact motions more gentle on your body. Your local swimming pool might offer pregnancy aqua classes where you will be led through a range of exercises and stretches suitable for pregnant women.

 12. Osteopathy

Osteopathy is an alternative medicine that uses physical manipulation techniques such as stretching and massage to provide pain relief to your muscles and joints. An osteopath can help you to target problem areas such as your back, including if you’re struggling with sciatica. Although osteopathy is safe for pregnant women, it’s advised to get the advice of your GP before trying osteopathy.

 13. Pain relief medication

If you haven’t found another solution that works for you or if your back pain becomes very severe, it might be worth consulting your doctor about possible pain relief medications. Never take pain relief during your pregnancy without consulting your doctor first.

https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/13-remedies-for-back-pain-during-pregnancy/94769/

Can home remedies help my sciatica?

From health.harvard.edu

Q. Is there anything I can do at home to ease sciatica pain?

A. Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that radiates down the buttock and the leg. It occurs when one of the two sciatic nerves in your body, which run from your back down to your toes, is compressed or irritated. Most often the problem is triggered by a ruptured disc or arthritis in the lower spine. This condition can be quite painful, but there are some strategies you can use at home to ease your discomfort.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), can help to relieve pain.

Use hot or cold compresses. Cold packs can reduce nerve inflammation that causes sciatica. Alternatively, warm compresses applied to the lower back can also help relax the area and ease your discomfort. In either case, be certain to protect your skin, and don't apply either measure for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

Change your position. Resting periodically on the side of the body opposite the pain with your knees bent may relieve pressure on the nerve and give you temporary relief.

Get moving. While you may be tempted to remain lying down until the pain goes away, this is the wrong approach, according to experts. While you can certainly take it easy for a few days, you'll get back to normal more quickly if you start moving around. Start by walking and slowly returning to your normal activities.

Stretch the area. Stretching exercises or even doing yoga can help reduce pain and prevent future recurrences.

Most often, sciatica pain will go away on its own in a few weeks.

— by Toni Golen, M.D., and Hope Ricciotti, M.D.
Editors in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/can-home-remedies-help-my-sciatica

5 Useful Tips for Sleeping with Sciatica

From legalreader.com

Making the most of good sleep hygiene and following some of the steps above could help to protect you against the exhaustion of a condition that impacts your day-to-day life

The term “sciatica” is one that many people are familiar with, particularly in the landscape of health and medicine. This word refers to the pain that people experience when the sciatic nerve compresses under the pressure of spinal abnormalities or inflammation.

When you experience sciatica, you often suffer from a lot of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, that discomfort generally continues throughout the day and night – even when you’re trying to sleep. So, how do you get a good night’s rest with this condition?

1.    Get the Right Mattress
Your mattress probably won’t be the root of all your sciatica problems, but it could be making your issues worse. If you know you have serious back pain issues, getting an orthopaedic bed could be an excellent option. Remember, the kind of bed you need will depend on how you prefer to sleep. Stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer mattress that keeps the body aligned. Side sleepers need support for their hips and shoulders, while back sleepers need full-body support.

2.    Try a Body Pillow
When you’re sleeping with sciatica, it can be helpful to place a regular pillow or a body pillow between your knees. It helps to keep your hips, spine, and pelvis aligned, so you’re less likely to experience worse pain and maintain a comfortable sleeping position. For some, it’s helpful to place a pillow underneath their knees so that they stay bent as they sleep. Try both methods to find which one works best for you.

3.    Try Gentle Exercise and Stretches

Man doing seated stretches on a deck; image by Scott Broome, via Unsplash.com.

Exercise and stretching are excellent, regardless of whether you have sciatica or not. However, stretches before bed can be crucial if you want to reduce your risk of having a bad night’s sleep. Don’t exercise too much before bed, as this can give you an adrenaline rush, which keeps you awake. However, some simple stretches before you settle down for the night can reduce your pain. Try pulling your knees to your chest or performing a pelvic tilt.

4.    Take a Hot Bath
Most people will tell you that if you want to get a good night’s sleep every night, you need to follow good sleep hygiene. It means that you go through the same series of actions every night to protect yourself from a bad night’s rest. You might have a cup of tea or even a hot bath to help you relax. A hot bath is a great part of any night-time routine because it relaxes the muscles, and releases pain-fighting endorphins around your sciatic nerve roots. Your bathwater needs to be pleasant, warm, and not too hot. You could also try using a hot water bottle in bed.

5.    Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
If you can avoid it, sleeping on your stomach may not be a good idea for people with sciatica pain. Stomach sleeping is one of the worst positions because it flattens the natural curvature of the spine and causes strain in the neck because your head needs to turn to one side. Even if you think that you get relief in this position, constantly sleeping on your stomach could cause more problems with discomfort in the future. If you can’t find a comfortable position, you may try sleeping in the foetal position as it gives you the best space between your vertebrae.

Good Luck Sleeping with Sciatica
Sleeping with any condition, including sciatica, isn’t always easy. Making the most of good sleep hygiene and following some of the steps above could help to protect you against the exhaustion of a condition that impacts your day-to-day life. 

https://www.legalreader.com/5-useful-tips-for-sleeping-with-sciatica/

When You Need Sciatica Pain Relief

By Jeff Parks

Pain caused by sciatica is felt deep inside the leg and can be incredibly crippling. Sciatica can also cause tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or a sharp burning feeling all of which are uncomfortable. Achieving sciatica pain relief permanently involves targeting the cause of the sciatica and treating the cause, otherwise pain alleviation may only be temporary.

Sciatica refers to damage or pressure involving the sciatic nerve which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the bottom of the spine, through the hip joint, knee and ankle. Damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve can be caused by a variety of reasons and needs to be investigated in order for sciatica pain relief to be obtained on a permanent basis.

Temporary sciatica pain relief can involve taking anti-inflammatory medication or pain killers. In more serious cases cortisone injections may be administered. Placing hot or cold ice packs on the painful area as well resting the affected area may also be recommended to aid in reducing inflammation and help with alleviating pain.

However sciatica, which is a type of neuralgia, is often considered a symptom of a cause. Sciatica can be as a result of many things including piriformis syndrome, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, slipped or herniated disk, tumours, osteoporosis, and pregnancy among others. Many of these causes of sciatica are further caused by other factors. Each of these causes needs to be looked at carefully in order to treat sciatica and help with sciatica pain relief on a more permanent basis if the pain does not ease up.

Often physical therapists can be recommended for sciatica pain relief as they can help with stretches and strengthening exercises that may target some of the sciatica causes. Piriformis syndrome can be relieved by stretching the tense piriformis muscle and strengthening the surrounding gluteal muscles to give the hip area support, taking strain off the piriformis muscle and ultimately the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by back problems such as a herniated disk or spondylolisthesis, strengthening the muscles in the lower back will help relieve any pressure on the sciatic nerve which has been placed on it due to weakness in the back. A herniated disk refers to when a disk in the back has slipped or pushed on to the muscle from straining the back, a sports injury or moving in an unusual way. Spondylolisthesis refers to a vertebra slipping onto another vertebra. Physical therapists may also recommend massaging around the area where the cause of the sciatica is to relieve muscle tension, which may also aid sciatica pain relief.

In more extreme cases of sciatica when the pain can not be kept at bay and someone suffers from it continuously, surgery may be considered as a way to treat the cause of the sciatica. If spinal stenosis is the cause, which refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, surgery may be a way to physically take pressure off the spinal cord and ultimately the lower back, relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve and promoting sciatica pain relief. Surgery may also be used to physically loosen the pirformis muscle, undoing its hold on the sciatic nerve as well as repairing the vertebra that has slipped onto another vertebra in the case of spondylolisthesis. It may also be a way to remove a possible tumor, which could be pushing on the sciatic nerve. However surgery would be a last resort as a means of alleviating sciatica pain and help with sciatica pain relief.

Sciatica pain relief can be achieved temporarily with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication as well as hot packs and ice packs. However if the pain increases, it is recommended that you consult your physician immediately to locate the cause of the sciatica and target it to achieve ultimate sciatica pain relief.

https://ezinearticles.com/?When-You-Need-Sciatica-Pain-Relief&id=6178980