Sciatica pain comes suddenly and affects us profoundly. If you are among the 40% of the population who have suffered from sciatica at least once during their lifetime, you know how painful it can be. Our sciatica doctor in Webster has put together this list of tips to help you find comfort right away, until you have your appointment.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica pain originates with the sciatic nerves and often goes away by itself within a few hours or days. It usually originates higher along the spinal cord when nerve roots become compressed or damaged. This can be the result of narrowing of the vertebral column or a slipped disk.
Sciatica-associated pain can be very intense, leaving sufferers unable to move for a period of time. Sometimes it feels like a jolt or electric shock down the back of the thigh. Curiously, it usually affects one side of the body.
Some people also feel numbness, a tingling sensation, or muscle weakness in the leg or foot. Also, one part of the leg can be in pain, while another can feel numb.
How to Deal with Sciatica Pain until You See a Specialist
Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to help relieve sciatica pain. Our sciatica doctor in Webster, Tx, shares his top 3 tips.
1. Use Hot & Cold Packs
When you feel a sciatica attack, try to lie down with a hot pack on your lower back and relax for up to 20 minutes. The heat relaxes the muscles, which in turn reduces pain and stress on them. If the pain persists after a few rounds, try alternating between cold and hot packs to reduce swelling and relax the area.
2. Don’t Stop Moving
Although it can seem counterproductive to do so, it is important to continue in movement. While resting is necessary, so is altering with moving. If you stop moving for a long time, you risk becoming weaker which can lead to additional pain. Move occasionally and gently stretch your body to feel relief faster.
3. Stretch
Stretching helps maintain the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy In addition, we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. In fact, you should incorporate stretching into your everyday routine.
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What Sciatica Treatments Are There?
At Space City Pain, you can find the following sciatica treatments:
- Mechanical traction
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Spinal manipulation
- Deep tissue massage
- Stretching exercises
- Hot and cold therapies
- Muscle-strengthening exercises
- Aerobic exercises
- Ultrasound therapy
- Regenerative medicine injections
The Best Sciatica Doctor in Webster, Texas
At Space City Pain Specialists, you will find top-of-the-line facilities for check-ups and diagnostic tests as well as board-certified specialists. Our physicians excel at patient care and at listening and addressing our patients’ concerns with respect. In addition, their distinctive approach revolves around looking to the source of the pain, and not to merely treat the symptoms.
Space City Pain has been a pioneer in pain management in the community since 2004 and continues to be at the forefront of pain care. Our friendly, bilingual, and highly specialized staff make up the best team to tackle your sciatica pain. At our offices, you’ll find the best sciatica doctor in Webster, Texas, serving also League City, Texas City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, and the surrounding areas.
We don’t manage pain, we treat it.
