Monday, June 25, 2018

2 Truths About Treating Your Sciatica That You Need to Know

Are your sciatica symptoms, like searing pain in your calf or numbness in your foot, acting up? These two truths can help you make informed decisions when it comes to treating your sciatica:

1. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan

Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, but rather a symptom of an underlying medical disorder. The six most common causes of sciatica are all problems related to your lower back, such as a lumbar herniated disc and degenerative disc disease
Because there are numerous possible causes of your sciatica, your treatment options may vary significantly from another person. This means that you cannot simply adopt a treatment plan that worked for a friend or family member. 
As a general rule, you should not attempt to self-treat your sciatica symptoms before consulting with your doctor—as she or he can provide a proper diagnosis and then propose an appropriate treatment plan. 

2. Exercise is typically an essential component of any treatment plan 

If you’re like most people, you find it difficult to keep active after a severe flare-up of sciatica. But the truth is that prolonged inactivity can make your sciatic pain worse. For example, if you avoid proper exercise your lower back muscles can become deconditioned, which in turn may place additional stress around the location of your sciatic nerve roots.
Most people who suffer from sciatica can benefit from an exercise program that incorporates stretching, strengthening, and low-impact aerobic exercises. Additionally, it’s important to keep up your exercise routine after your symptoms have dissipated to avoid future flare-ups. 
As mentioned above, do not begin an exercise treatment plan before consulting with your doctor—as the types of exercises you should perform are dependent in part on the underlying cause of your symptoms. 
I hope both of the above truths will help you, in consultation with your doctor, form an effective treatment plan to combat your sciatica symptoms. 

Learn more:

Call 636-916-0660 to speak to our doctors about helping you further with sciatica and other health conditions.  ABChiropractic Family & Wellness of St. Charles, 63303, is the home of fast pain relief and wellness for the entire family.

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