The nerve pain that causes sciatica can significantly impede your ability to do everyday tasks and affect your quality of life. Sciatica is inflammation of nerves and can develop pain in your back and legs. This type of pain can range from mild to sharp or become excruciating. 

There are different invasive and non-invasive treatment options for sciatica pain relief in Orland Park, IL. You will be happy to know that you can treat your sciatica pain at your home with simple home remedies and lifestyle changes.

Before considering any treatment option for sciatica, it is important to understand the possible causes and symptoms. It can help you to treat and prevent sciatica pain effectively. 

Causes of sciatica

The following conditions and factors can trigger sciatica pain:

• A slipped or herniated disk

• Spinal stenosis

• Degenerative disk disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Trauma injury

• Piriformis syndrome

• Tumors in the lumbar spinal canal

• Cauda equine syndrome

Symptoms of sciatica

People with sciatica may experience:

• Loss of movement

• Reduced range of motion

• Moderate to severe pain in legs, buttock, and lower back

• Sensations of needles and pins

• Pain that worsens with movement

• Loss of bowel and bladder control

Risk factors for sciatica

You are at greater risk of pain if you:

• Are overweight

• Have an injury

• Have diabetes

• Have osteoarthritis

• Have back pain

• Smoke

• Have joint-related issues

• Have a posture-related problem

Natural and effective ways to treat sciatica pain

Apply cold packs

Cold therapy is one of the best and effective treatment techniques to relieve sciatica pain. Many physical therapists in Westmont, IL, recommend this technique for instant pain relief after an injury. You can apply cold packs to your affected area to get relief from sciatica pain and reduce swelling. 

Apply hot packs

By applying hot packs to your affected area, you can decrease inflammation and discomfort. This technique helps to reduce pain and promote natural healing by improving the blood circulation to the affected area.

Massage

Massage from an experienced physical therapist can help you to decrease sciatica pain. In a massage session, experts apply gentle pressure to the affected area in order to relieve trigger points and muscle tension.  They can utilize different techniques to improve the flexibility of muscles and blood circulation. You can consider different essential oils for better results.

Perform stretching Exercises

Stretching exercise can help you to relieve nerve root compression and decrease the pain. Regular exercises are the best way to stay active and prevent future sciatica pain. There are different benefits of stretching exercises, including:

• Decrease acute sciatic nerve pain

• Promote soft tissue healing

• Improve the range of motion and mobility

• Improve the flexibility

• Prevent balance related issues

• Improve sciatic nerve function

You can perform the following exercises to get relief from sciatica pain:

• Standing hamstring stretch

• Basic seated stretch

• Standing piriformis stretch

• Groin and long abductor muscle stretch

• Scissor hamstring stretch

• Reclining pigeon pose

• Sitting pigeon pose

• Forward pigeon pose

• Knee to the opposite shoulder

• Sitting spinal stretch

Before performing these exercises, consult with your trainer or physical therapist in Westmont, IL. Wrong technique and exercise can increase your pain level. 

Physical therapy

If you are suffering from nerve pain and inflammation, physical therapy can help you. It is a part of rehabilitation care used to treat a wide range of pain and conditions. PT includes different hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercises to decrease sciatica pain and improve movement. The goal of PT is to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve and prevent sciatica symptoms.

When to visit healthcare expert for sciatica pain

If you are experiencing any of the following, you should visit a physical therapist in Westmont, IL.  

• Your pain does not improve after 3-4 weeks

• You have severe pain in legs and back

• You experience nerve-related symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness

• You have a loss of bowel or/and bladder control

• Your pain gets worse, even when doing exercises and using home-remedies

Avoiding these signs and symptoms can lead to physical disability. So visiting a trusted and experienced physical therapist can be an ideal option for you. They can help you find the leading causes of your pain and develop a suitable treatment plan to ease sciatica symptoms.

Final words:

Most cases of sciatica don’t require medical help. Self-care treatment and exercises are enough for sciatica pain relief. However, if your home remedies do not ease your pain, contact your trusted physical therapist in Westmont, IL. They can develop a non-invasive treatment plan to treat sciatica pain.