Health Matters: Sciatica and its treatments

Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN looks at sciatica and its treatments

SCIATICA DESCRIBES any sort of pain caused through irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It’s the longest nerve in our bodies, running from the back of the pelvis through the buttocks and down to our feet.

Symptoms

Sciatica gives rise to pain, numbness and a tingling sensation that originates in the lower back and travels down one of the legs to the foot and toes.

This pain ranges from mild to extremely painful and is often worse after sneezing coughing or simply sitting for long periods.

The majority of cases arise through a ‘slipped’ disc, which describes how the disc between the bones of our spine (vertebrae) becomes damaged and presses on a nerve.

We can all minimise the risk of developing back injuries by adopting better posture, using lifting techniques at work, exercising regularly as well as doing stretching exercises before and after a work out.

TREATMENT

Treatment is not always necessary as the condition for many people will often improve naturally within approximately six weeks.

There are a number of self-help tips I can give including remaining as active as possible, using hot or cold compresses and taking simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Some sufferers I find apply either hot or cold compression. Frozen peas wrapped in a towel can be effective and doesn’t cost the earth while a range of hot packs is available from your local pharmacy.

Discuss their suitability with your pharmacist along with the measures I’ve mentioned.

Simple exercises like walking or gentle stretching often eases symptoms and even strengthen the muscles that support the back.

There is a natural tendency to bed-rest sciatica although it is considered unnecessary and unhelpful in many cases.

I would always recommend any sufferer to visit their GP when symptoms are severe, persistent or just getting worse over time.

PREVENTION

It’s not always possible to prevent sciatica but there are several things you can do to help minimise back injuries that may lead to sciatica.

These involve correct lifting and handling techniques together with adopting the correct posture while standing, sitting, driving or even sleeping. Regular exercise can prove beneficial.

Speak to your pharmacist for more information on these measures. Good luck and you have my sympathy, having suffered myself.

In November I’m going to take a look at coughs.