Sciatica is a result of a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve.  Any type of irritation or inflammation can activate the symptoms of sciatica.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and when it is aggravated or inflamed it will cause serious pain.

The pain can begin from the lower back to the buttock and can extend all the way to the lower limbs. When a person is suffering from sciatica they can find walking to be very difficult and sometimes impossible to move.

The sciatic nerve can be aggravated from bending at the waist or walking too much and the best thing to do is to lay down. By lying down, it can relieve some of the pressure on the nerve. A physician will diagnose sciatica with by performing a physical examination.

They will also request certain tests such as CT scan, MRI, electromyogram, X-rays and other exams.  They will do this to find out the extent of your condition and what other causes may be affecting your sciatic nerve pain.

For those of you that feel that you may have started having problems with your sciatic nerve, you can find ways to control it and treat it. Here are a few tips to help you on your way to a life without pain.

PILLOW

When you lay down, place a pillow under your knees to help relieve the pressure that the disk is placing on your sciatic nerve.

LIFTING/SITING

Know your limits, don’t lift anything that you know is very heavy and if you are going to pick something up, make sure you squat don’t bend.  Bending too much at the waist can aggravate the nerve; try to find other ways to pick things up.  Sit in firm comfortable chairs; these can also aggravate the nerve.

REST

If your pain is severe, best thing to do is stay in bed for at least three days and get up only when necessary.

HEAT / ICE

A good thing to do is apply a cold pack 15 minutes, four times a day for at least two days.  For others, a heating pad will do much better.  Try both and see which one is best for you.

FISH OIL

Taking omega 3 fatty acids daily can provide relief.  A study performed on a group, found that 59% of the patients felt relief after taking omega 3 daily and stopped using medications.

OTC NSAID

Taking anti-inflammatory OTC pain relievers will help, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin will help relieve discomfort.  If you suffer from sciatica often, take two aspirin daily can help prevent the pain from recurring.