Suffering From Sciatica? 

What is it? And how you can help prevent it in your everyday life, with the Swindon Chiropractic Clinic

 
Sciatica is probably one of those words we've all heard people use - normally when they're feeling their back or leg - but was it exactly?

 

The sciatic nerves run from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet.

 

Sciatica is a generalised term for any sort of pain that is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. When something compresses or irritates the sciatic nerve, it can cause a pain that radiates out from your lower back and travels into your buttock, thigh and calf, and often to the foot.

 

Sciatic pain can range from being mild to very painful. It is usually only in one leg.

 

Diagnosis & prevention

If you are experiencing sciatic type symptoms, it is important to get a diagnosis as to the underlying cause of those symptoms. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc pressing on a nerve in the back.

Although it is not always possible to prevent sciatica, there are several things you can do to help minimize your risk of developing symptoms.

1. Take regular exercise

This will help keep the back mobile, the supporting musculature strong, and help with weight management. 

2. Proper seating at work

If you have a desk job get your work station assessed to ensure that you have an optimal seating position. Make sure you take regular breaks and move around whenever possible.

3. Lift and handle objects correctly
This can range from moving objects at work to simply carrying your shopping home!

 

Here's some advice: 

 

- Start in a good position, with your feet apart. Bend your back, knees and hips slightly but do not stoop. Tighten your stomach muscles. Do not straighten your legs before lifting as you may strain your back on the way up.

- Keep the load as close to your body as possible.

- Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways, especially when your back is bent. Turning by moving your feet is better than lifting and twisting at the same time.

- Know your limits. There is a big difference between what you can lift and what you can safely lift. If in doubt, get help.

- Push, do not pull. If you have to move a heavy object across the floor, it is better to push it rather than pull it.

- Distribute the weight evenly – if you are carrying shopping bags or luggage, try to distribute the weight evenly on both sides of your body.

 

About Swindon Chiropractic Clinic

Swindon Chiropractic Clinic have treated over 28,000 people since opening in 1982. They offer a safe, effective hands-on treatment which gets straight to the cause of the pain.

 

Tel: 01793 820599 

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