As the biggest nerve in your body, your sciatic nerve performs a lot of important roles. At the same time, it has the power to cause a lot of grief. Sciatica is a condition where you experience pain ranging from your buttocks to your toes. It usually affects only one side, as it involves a branch of your sciatic nerve becoming trapped. Whether you have a history of sciatica or not, there are steps you can take to prevent it.
Manual Handling Techniques
When your working day involves spending a lot of time bending, lifting and twisting, you need to make sure you're using adequate manual handling techniques. Cast your mind back to when you underwent manual handling training with your organisation. If you're not currently using all the necessary techniques, now's the time to start.
Stay Active
Although experiencing sciatic pain may want to make you stop moving, it isn't going to help. Your body isn't designed to go through long periods of rest normally, and engaging with regular exercise can help to free the trapped nerve. Try to fit in a gentle walk, run or swim each day.
Piriformis Stretch
Performing a piriformis stretch is a little like flossing your sciatic nerve. It can help to prevent it from becoming trapped behind the small piriformis muscle in your buttocks. Lie on your back, bend one leg towards yourself and rest the ankle from your opposite leg on the bent leg's knee. Pull the bent leg inwards to stretch your piriformis muscles.
Professional Massage
When the muscles surrounding your sciatic nerve regularly tighten, you may need a little extra help in loosening them. Try seeking out a massage therapist who offers deep tissue or sports massages. With regular sessions, you may be able to avoid letting your muscles get too tight, and your sciatic nerve can operate freely.
Chiropractic Care
Another professional who can assist with preventing and treating sciatic nerve pain is your chiropractor. They'll assess whether spinal manipulation could free you from pain and perform their adjustments accordingly. They may also be able to help with good posturing techniques.
Sometimes, you may need to seek emergency assistance for your sciatic nerve pain. If it's occurring on both sides, you need to urinate urgently or if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, contact an emergency doctor. Otherwise, a few simple lifestyle changes and natural health remedies can work wonders.
