Typically caused by a compressed nerve in the lower spine, sciatica is a common condition that leads to pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. Those who suffer from it may experience numbness in the leg along the nerve or a tingling sensation in the feet and toes. To help relieve this painful condition, here are three tips for sciatica relief.

Do You Suffer from Sciatica? Try These 3 Methods for Relief

1. Avoid Extended Periods of Sitting & Change Your Positioning

Sitting for long periods of time can exacerbate your sciatica, as it puts excess pressure on the nerve. If you need to sit for a while, such as at an office, change your position every fifteen minutes or so to relieve some pressure. Incorporating some exercise each hour is also advisable, even if it’s just a short walk to stretch your muscles.  

2.  Increase Spine Flexibility

Incorporating exercise into your routine to keep your spine flexible is critical for your health and sciatica management. It’s advisable to work with a physical therapist or chiropractor to ensure that you’re exercising properly and not creating further damage or strain. By getting into a regular routine with gentle exercises, you can work to improve flexibility and manage your pain.

3. Apply Heat

When your sciatic nerve pain flares up, applying heat can be an effective means of relief. Heating pads set to a low or medium setting can be applied to the lower back for up to twenty minutes at a time, serval times a day, if needed. If you’re at home and have the luxury of time, a warm bath can be soothing as well, as it will loosen up tight muscles and increase blood flow. Interestingly enough, while heat works for some people, others find that icing the affected area can be a more effective method, so try experimenting with both to see which works better for you.

If you suffer from sciatica, don’t hesitate to reach out to American Health Chiropractic in Milford, OH. Serving the Cincinnati area, their professionals provide comprehensive chiropractic care for arm, leg, neck, and back pain caused by everyday strain, an auto accident, or work injuries. To get a free consultation, give them a call today at (513) 576-6699 or visit their website for more information.