Doctor explains why sciatica is so painful at night with top tips on how to improve it

From msn.com

A doctor has explained why the pain from sciatica can be worse at night and how to improve it.

Sciatica is a condition that gives you severe pain in your lower back and legs, and it can stop you from getting a good night's sleep. Dr Tony Nalda, who runs the Scoliosis Reduction Center, has explained why the pain from sciatica can feel worse at night and what you can do to help it.

Sciatica is a medical problem that happens when something else in your body rubs or presses on your sciatic nerve. It can be caused by things like back injuries, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and slipped discs - which is a common cause, reports Bristol Live.

What are the signs of it?

Dr Nalda said: "The most common symptom of sciatica is shooting pains in your hips and legs. You may also experience weakness or numbness, or find it hard to move your legs. Some people have tingling or stabbing pains in their legs and thighs, or increased discomfort when they sit down."

                                                      There can be many causes of the condition         © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Why does it hurt more at night?

People have fewer things to distract them at night, which makes the pain feel worse because it's all they can think about. Dr Nalda said: "Also, lying down for extended periods increases pressure on the sciatic nerve.' Finally, the lack of movement at night can cause the muscles around the sciatic nerve to stiffen."

What can you do about it?

Dr Nalda has these tips to help reduce your sciatica pain:

• Sleep on your back or side, not your front. Sleeping on your front doesn't support your spine properly, and it can make the nerve irritation worse.
• Use special pillows to help your body and sleep on a mattress that's not too soft.
• Try stretching before bed and when you wake up to make your body more bendy and get your blood moving.
• Use cold things to bring down swelling and warm things like a nice bath to relax your muscles and help with the soreness.
• If the pain is really bad, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about stronger medicine.
• Keep moving gently all day, and try not to stay sitting or lying down for too long.
• If it hurts on one side of your body, don't lie on that side. Try the other side instead.

Dr Nalda said: "A medical specialist may recommend physiotherapy, painkilling injections, or even surgery. If you act wisely, you can lessen the pain and improve your quality of life."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/doctor-explains-why-sciatica-is-so-painful-at-night-with-top-tips-on-how-to-improve-it/ar-BB1kNiDD?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=23d953a48fb74ede8a80763f5dcfd03c&ei=17