Sciatica is one of the most frequent causes of lower back pain. In fact, it is believed that as much as 40% of people will experience sciatica at some time in life. The odds of experiencing sciatica increase the older you get. Obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle all increase the risk of having to deal with sciatic pain. How can you cope with this chronic health issue?

Common Options for Sciatica Sufferers

Most doctors will encourage a person to take an over-the-counter NSAID. This temporarily relieves both pain and swelling. However, it is important to note that ice can do much to reduce pain and swelling as well—and without side effects. If you feel sciatica coming on, you will want to ice the area for 15-20 minutes. You can repeat this several times per day. It may keep you from having to reach for the pill bottle.

While most cases of sciatica go away within several hours or days, persistent sciatic pain may move a patient to try more dramatic methods. For example, steroid injections or even surgery may eventually be recommended by a physician.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and and lower back pain and sciatica download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Is there a way for you to get help with chronic sciatic pain that is not so invasive?

Healthy Neck, Healthy Back

Good posture and a properly aligned spine start in the neck. If even a slight misalignment occurs in the C1 vertebra, the muscles of the back have to work to keep the head upright and the eyes level with the horizon. This is called the righting reflex. As a result, in order for the spine to be in alignment, the upper neck must be in place first.

When an upper neck misalignment causes changes in posture down the spine, the result can be pressure on the sciatic nerve and pain in the lower back and legs. Therefore, the upper neck is a good place to look for the underlying problem that is causing sciatica to recur.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Nitzsche call our Orlando office at 407-578-2225.