Where Does My Siatica Come From?
Most acute back pain and siatica (which is correctly spelt
as sciatica) is the result of:
- a trauma i.e. an injury to your lower back, or
- a longer-term disorder such as arthritis.
- a build of small "bad back habits" over a period of
time
- a symptom of an underlying "general malaise" for
example diet deficiencies
The injury and pain from your sciatica may be caused by a
variety of routine activities such as:
- a sports injury,
- work around the house, or in the garden,
- a sudden jolt, such as a car accident or fall, or
- other stresses on your spinal bones and surrounding
tissues, especially repetitive, stressful movements.
Symptoms
Siatica symptoms may range from:
- muscle ache to shooting or stabbing back pain,
- limited flexibility and range of motion, and/or
- an inability to stand straight.
Chronic back pain is usually defined as pain that persists
for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause
can be difficult to determine.
What Is The Recommended Treatment?
Most siatica and low back pain can be treated without
surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce and stop the pain,
restore proper function and strength to your back to prevent
recurrence of the injury.
Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low
back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of
prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies.
Really, though you should be aiming to find a solution that
does not require you to keep taking
drugs, because these generally create unwanted side effects and
hinder your ability to understand the messages your body is
sending you.
You may also want to consider visiting a specialist such as
a chiropractor, an osteopath,
or a physiotherapist.
Some people find the the use of cold and hot compresses
helps to reduce their pain and inflammation and allows greater
mobility.
Generally, ice applied to an injury site immediately after
its occurrence stimulates blood flow to the area and helps to
reduce pain and inflammation.
We recommend the Better Back System as a way to stop your
back pain and help you to loosen and strengthen your
surrounding joints and supporting muscles.
Should I Rest or Exercise?
These days bed rest is usually recommended for only 1–2 days at
most.
Your goal is to resume activities as soon as possible.
You can help prevent repeat back injuries by engaging in
regular exercise that doesn't jolt or strain your back and
helps you maintain the correct posture.
Always take care to lift objects properly: bend your knees,
keep the object close to you and your back straight.
In the most serious cases, when a condition does not respond
to other therapies, surgery may relieve pain caused by back
problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries. However, this is
really a last resort that is to be avoided if
possible.
Siatica Prevention
Regular, preventative exercise may be the most effective way
to speed recovery and reduce or stop back pain.
In particular, exercises that help you strengthen your "core
stability" muscles and the abdominal muscles that both help to
support and protect your back will pay dividends.
This why we recommend the Better Back System because it helps
you loosen and strengthen the joints and supporting muscles
that help your back stay injury free.
What Can I Expect In The Future?
Most patients with siatica and back pain recover without
residual functional loss, IF they eliminate the cause of the
problem.
Recurring back pain often results from improper body
mechanics (posture, lifting etc), or other non-traumatic
causes. Said another way, you can usually prevent this type of
siatica if you stop doing whatever it is that aggravates your
back.
Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by
stressors such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion,
and awkward posture.
Applying ergonomic principles — designing furniture and
tools to protect the body from injury — at home and in the
workplace can greatly reduce the risk of back injury and help
maintain a healthy back.
Warning:
Note: If there is not a noticeable reduction in your pain and
inflammation after 72 hours of self-care contact your
doctor.
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