Imagine stepping out of bed, ready to start your typical day, only to experience a sharp pain in your back. That is what sciatica can do to you! Sciatica is among the common yet misunderstood types of pain. Over 40% of people experience sciatica in their lifetime. Many perceive sciatica as a normal after-work back pain, but it’s different. The pain emanates from the sciatic nerve and usually occurs when the herniated disc pressures the nerve. Generally, sciatica feels like an electric shock and can cause numbness and tingling or weaken your leg muscles. Fortunately, with technological advancements, the Dayton sciatica treatments will help you eradicate the pain in totality. At Vertrae, board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Kamal Woods MD and the team understand how sciatica can affect your life, and offer the best treatments for your relief. Additionally, Dr. Kamal Woods MD also advises patients on ways to prevent and relieve pain brought about by sciatica. Let’s dive in:

1.     Practice a good sitting or standing posture

Depending on your posture, you can positively or negatively affect your spine. Whether you are working while sitting or relaxing at home for a long time, you might experience sciatica pain. Vary your postures after every 20 minutes and sit or stand in the way that you don’t excessively pressure your spine. This will help reduce sciatica symptoms.

2.     Ensure you manage your weight

Overweight people are three times more likely to experience sciatica than those with controlled weight. Similarly, obese people who have sciatica tend to heal slowly. Why? The extra weight pressures your spine and can cause herniated discs. It also makes it difficult for the sciatic nerve to function effectively. Cutting the excess weight will reduce inflammation and reduce pressure on your back.

3.     Avoid prolonged periods of sitting

Sitting for more extended hours puts pressure on the discs and ligaments in your spine. If you had sciatica in the past, prolonged sitting could renew it since it discomforts the sciatic nerve. If your work necessitates long periods of sitting, use a posture that evenly distributes weight in your body. Again, take some breaks off and walk to reduce the pressure on your back.

4.     Be active in exercise and yoga 

Engaging in regular physical exercise will boost the functionality of the sciatic nerve. If you are a sciatica patient, incorporate gentle exercise in your day for the safety of the spine. It will also help ease existing sciatica pains. Ensure you involve in activities that will strengthen your spine without causing additional damage. You can include these exercises in your schedule:

  •       Walking
  •       Jogging
  •       Cycling
  •       Swimming

5.     Seek professional help for your sciatica pain

If sciatica worsens, it’s advisable to look for a medical expert to help relieve your pain. If the preventive remedies don’t work for you and the symptoms escalate, visit a professional instantly. Although sciatica has short-term “shooting pain,” it can yield a worse spine condition if ignored.

Dr. Kamal Woods, MD, and her entire team specialize in different sciatica treatments for your relief. The team conducts a physical exam and administers the proper sciatica medication according to your condition. The treatment may vary from oral medications, steroid injections, sciatica surgery, and physical therapies. If you are looking forward to a productive life with no electric sciatica pains, consider booking your session today!