Sciatic nerve pain can be truly bothersome. In fact, as many as 40% of people will get it during their life, and it becomes more frequent as you age, according to Harvard Health Online.
Sciatic nerves are the body’s two largest nerves and they run from the lower spine all the way to the soles of the feet. When these nerves are pinched or irritated, you will feel referred nerve pain in the lower back, hip, that travels down the leg and into the foot.
Causes & Symptoms
The most common cause of sciatic nerve pain is a herniated disc, often called a pinched nerve or a slipped disc. In addition, the normal wear and tear of discs in the back due to old age is a leading cause as well. You are also at greater risk of sciatica if you already have an injury to the lower back, lead an inactive lifestyle, or have a job that requires a lot of heavy lifting.
Another reason sciatic pain develops is due to tightness in the piriformis muscle. The Piriformis overlaps the sciatic nerve (and in some cases the sciatic nerve runs through the Piriformis). Running or walking up hills or on uneven surfaces can irritate the Piriformis causing it to spasm and compress the sciatic nerve.
Radiating pain or numbness from the lower back or buttocks down the back of the leg is the top complaint from sciatica sufferers. Likewise, a person with sciatica may also experience pain during specific activities like sitting or lifting a leg to put on pants. Also, sciatic nerve pain usually occurs on one side of the body.
Treatment & Prevention
It may not be possible to prevent all types of sciatica, especially since the condition can develop naturally as a person ages; there are steps that can be taken to lessen your risk. Changes like maintaining a healthy weight and good posture so that the sciatic nerves are not under constant stress are top of the list. Low-impact exercises done regularly are another great way to protect your back.
When it comes to treating the pain caused by sciatica, remedies like hot/cold packs and stretching can prove very beneficial for temporary relief at home. Thankfully, we’ve been able to help clients restore the muscles in the lower back and effectively treat sciatica using neuromuscular therapy. Like all treatment plans at Myopress, a personal evaluation to determine what areas are being affected by the ailment is the first step. This allows for trigger points to be identified and targeted head-on. The manipulation of soft tissue muscles in the lower back and surrounding areas allow for the muscle knots to be released and relaxed.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning more about how neuromuscular therapy can relieve the discomfort of sciatica, please contact us today. We’re here to help.
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Phone: (832) 523 – 2137
Locations: Cypress- 11810 Cypress North Houston Rd, Cypress, TX 77429
Bellaire – 5909 W Loop S #380, Bellaire, TX 77401
Email: info@myopress.com
About Myopress®:
Myopress Inc.® is a licensed neuromuscular therapy clinic with offices in Houston and Cypress Texas. Owner Ephraim Colwell has over 15 years of experience and is eager to solve your pain problems using his expertise in the body’s neuromuscular system. Call, email, or come by to book an appointment! Rates start at $85/hr & all new clients receive $20 off their first session.
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