Depending on the severity of the sciatica, a quick remedy may be possible, however, if the sciatica is more severe, it may take several sessions, to be pain free.
What Can Cause Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatica is different to lower back ache, in that it involves the compression or ‘pinching’ of the sciatic nerve.
When the spinal vertebrae become compressed, due to extreme muscle tension, or injury, they impinge on the sciatic plexus, which is a group of nerves in the lower back, supplying the legs and feet.
As the vertebrae pinch the nerve, sciatic nerve pain or pressure, can be experienced anywhere along the buttocks, hips, legs, or feet.
Relief is experienced, when the vertebrae are stretched out, thus releasing pressure on the nerve.
The sciatic nerve is a cluster of nerves, situated at the base of the spine, and this is why nerve pain stemming from this area, is often more extreme than in other areas of the body, as entire clusters of nerves become impinged, sending shooting pain downwards into buttocks or legs.
This is why sciatica is commonly called to as referred pain, whereas lower back pain remains localized to the lower back.
The severity of the nerve impingement, is, in order from least to most critical:
- diagonally through the buttocks
- through the buttocks and into the hips
- along the back of the upper thigh
- extending along the back of the upper thigh, into the back of the knee
- extending all the way into the outer ankle
Sometimes pain is felt in selected areas only, for example, one spot in one hip, and nowhere else.
What Can Help Relieve Sciatica?
The following treatments are the most effective, and safest ways to relieve sciatica:
- chiropractic adjustment
- physical therapy – traction is especially effective
- inversion table
- lying face down, and applying a hot water bottle to the area, after applying 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
