| Your sciatic nerve can be found running from the end of the spine, down the leg, and all the way to the toes. Did you also know that the sciatic nerve is the largest one in your body? Perhaps you already knew these things if you have ever suffered from the painful condition known as sciatica. This is often caused by a bulging disk in the back. On the other hand, it's possible to have a bulging disk and not feel any pain, but when pain is present it tends to be quite severe. Also, the pain is usually found on just one side of your body.
However, you should also know that sciatica is often over-diagnosed, and that a lot of regular back pain is tagged as being sciatica. There are many causes for leg and back pain, but it isn't always sciatica. Therefore, you need to be sure that you have received the correct diagnosis, and that something else isn't causing the pain.
Make an appointment with your doctor, and request that they run any needed tests to see if your pain is being caused by sciatica or some other ailment. What it comes down to is you can only receive the right treatment for your condition if it has been diagnosed properly. Either way, you should seek medical help to help ease the pain of sciatica.
In today's world, one of the first things people turn to to cure any medical problem is prescription drugs. The truth is that a lot of them can, and do, work quite well. However, all medications have potential side effects, and when those include death (even in rare cases), then they sound like a less attractive option. Pills also have a way of losing their effectiveness over a period of time. but, if you still want to try the drug option, be sure they are prescribed after an accurate diagnosis. However, pharmaceuticals are not the only way to relieve the pain of sciatica. A good number of people use natural methods to get their pain under control. Exercising is one such method. You can do stretching exercises to remain flexible. You can also go for strength training which has been shown to help some people. Try sticking with low impact exercises to improve blood circulation without putting extra stress on the nerve.
Physical therapy is sometimes used in more severe cases to keep flareups to a minimum. This therapy can be done by a professional, or you can try pilates or yoga to get the same effect on your own. Stretching during physical therapy helps to loosen up your muscles and keep the disks in your back from bulging. Stretches that target the muscles of the buttocks, legs and back are all good choices. Whatever methods you decide to try, the key is to do something. You don't have to let sciatica ruin your life. With all of the options that are available, you should take action and try some of them. Once you are free from pain, you'll be glad you did.
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