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University Of Virginia Lower Back Pain Symposium Article
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The Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica is a frequently misunderstood cause of lower back and leg pain. It's not simply a condition but a diagnosis of multiple symptoms. It is important to understand because the treatment is based on the symptoms not just the name of the condition. Sciatica is not often caused by something that is bothering the sciatic nerves. It is more likely to be caused by a compacting of the nerve root. This can be caused by a herniated disc or a vertebrate that is no longer aligned or possibly by a disc that has deteriorated
Sciatica can be a problem during pregnancy as the uterus can sit on the sciatic nerve. Or as the weight continues to be put on during the pregnancy this can cause the vertebrate in the spine to become compressed on the nerves. Posture during pregnancy is also a big issue. Carrying yourself wrong can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. Any of these pregnancy issues can cause back pain.
A muscle spasm in the back can be caused by the contraction of the piriformis muscle. As it contracts the muscles it also strangles the sciatic nerve, which is how the pain is caused. Sometimes the problem, and so the back pain, can be the result of too much sitting and poor sleeping position, If this is not corrected by regular stretching exercise then this can also be a back pain issue.
Anything that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause this back and leg pain. A well-known reason for sciatica can be a spinal disc herniation. Normally the nerve passes through the vertebrate but if there is herniation then it can no longer protect it in the same way.
The way to treat sciatica and so to relieve the back pain it causes is to find ways to remove the compression, which means to remove the squishing of the nerves. Usually offering some type of physical support to relieve the pressure accomplishes this. In ninety percent of all case of sciatica this will be enough to allow the disc to recover itself. Although genetics play a part in the chances of a person having a herniated disc the treatment is the same for anyone with this problem. Rest and wear a back support. If more severe intervention is needed it is usually in the form of massage, mobilization or muscle stretching done by a professional instead of by self-exercise. What the patient is trying for is to loosen the muscles while lessening the inflammation, which should quickly diminish the back pain.
The patient may find that an extended period of physiotherapy may be required. But as well some changes in posture, and routine may help, This means not standing for too long, finding a better chair to sit in or at least improved posture while sitting and maybe using a pillow to give added back support. Sometimes it is necessary to use anti-inflammatories to help the inflammation go down faster and so ease the pain.
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