C.on “sciatica” is commonly understood inflammation of the sciatic nervewhich it carries with it pain and postural problems that can compromise people’s daily lives. But what are they the causes and how to relieve pain with some simple tricks and some exercises? We asked the experts.
The longest nerve in the body
«The sciatic nerve, besides being the longest nerve in the bodyis probably the best known, as he is often involved in backache. The sciatic innervates and controls certain thigh muscles (hamstring, semimembranous and semitendinosus) and the adductor major muscle. Often, however, it is also associated with piriformis muscleas it passes by or crosses it and in some conditions it can compress it and consequently irritate it», Explains the Doctor Luca De MartinoLecturer in Physiotherapy at theLuigi Vanvitelli University of Naples, Postural Rehabilitation Specialist according to Mézières and Certificate in Osteopathy at the Belgian School of Osteopathy.
Sciatica: the causes
“In many cases it manifests itself when the nerve root is compressed in the lumbar spine of the spinal column, generally in the presence of aslipped disc. However, there are also other situations and / or diseases that can cause compression of the sciatic nerve. Among these: i trauma to the hip or lower backthe incorrect postures that are adopted, the pregnancythe rotation of the pelvisL’heterometry of the limbsparticular repeated and excessive efforts, thelumbar hyperlordosis and of spinal tumors along the lumbo-sacral section of the column », continues Doctor De Martino.
To relieve pain
“If we are used to sleep in the supine positionit is advisable place a pillow under your knees. In prone positionthe cushion must be positioned under the abdomen and in lateral decubitusbetter sleep on the side not affected by painwith the pillow between the legs slightly flexed. The cold is more suitable to soothe acute pain attributable to sciatica. The heatit is generally more indicated in case of muscle contractures and can be beneficial in the post-acute phase, after the first 48 hours from the onset of pain due to sciatica », advises the expert.
When to resort to drugs
«Drug therapy is necessary in the acute phase. It is extremely important that the doctor carefully assess the patient’s condition before administering any medication. They are usually indicated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as theibuprofen. In some cases they are prescribed muscle relaxants and corticosteroids. In a second step it is useful resort to physiotherapy and / or osteopathy which represent a valid remedy to alleviate sciatica painsespecially if they originate from mechanical alterations of the spinal column, postural problems and muscle contractures », underlines Dr. De Martino.
How to prevent
“Need avoid prolonged sedentary lifestyle. Who is forced to spend many hours behind a deskit is good that he assumes a correct posture in the chair, perhaps with a lumbar support and with i feet flat on the floor. It is important to establish intervals, about every 30 minutes, to get up and stretch your legsperhaps by performing small and simple exercises that can maintain muscle elasticity ”, advises De Martino.
The exercises to be done gradually
«Exercises for sciatica should be done starting with one a day and then increase with 2 or 3 when the pain starts to subside. It’s important strengthen the muscles that support the spine and create mobility in the jointsso from avoid incorrect postures and tension which often lead to this type of problem ”, he explains Francesco GiulianiPhysical Wellbeing Referent of Fitprime.
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