Minimize the shooting, burning pain of Sciatica

 On each side of the body, one sciatic nerve runs through the hips, buttocks and down a leg, ending just below the knee. The sciatic nerve then branches into other nerves, which continue down the leg and into thee foot and toes. People describe sciatica pain in different ways, depending on its cause. Some people describe the pain as sharp, shooting, or jolts of pain. Others describe this as “burning,” "electric” or “stabbing.” 

Sciatica can be caused by several different medical conditions including herniated disc, spinal stenosis, Osteoarthritis and the like.

Moving is probably the most important thing one can do to help with pain. Knowing when to move, how to move is important. Deep breathing techniques relax tight muscles and recruit your body’s parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and pain. Using hot and cold helps ease the pain of sciatica and helps one function better. OTC pain meds may help as well.

Most cases of sciatica do not require surgery. Time and self-care treatment are usually all that is needed. However, if simple self-care treatments do not relieve pain, see a Neurologist.

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch