Sciatica Pain Relief, Causes and Symptoms


What Is Sciatica...?

The long and very large nerve named sciatic which supplies the muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot, and the skin of the leg, running the entire length of the leg becomes inflamed to cause sciatica. Sciatica pain is felt in the thigh and other areas associated with the sciatic nerve, buttocks, knee, leg, and even foot in severe cases. It may be caused by a slipped disk, or an inflammation in or around the vertebral bones. An abnormal condition in nearby blood vessels may press on the nerve. Hardening of the arteries can cause reduction of blood supply and pain in the nerve. Poor muscle tone, or contracted ligaments, may also cause a problem with sciatica.

The most common symptoms of sciatica are:

Sciatica pain, for some people, can be severe and debilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciatica only affects one side of the lower body and the pain often radiates from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.

One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result of sciatica:

  • Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting

  • Burning or tingling down the leg

  • Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or foot

  • A constant pain on one side of the rear

  • A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up

    • Low back pain may be present along with the leg pain, but usually the low back pain is less severe than the leg pain

    While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nerve damage (tissue damage) will result. Most sciatica pain syndromes result from inflammation and will get better within a period of two weeks to a few months. Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar) spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not present a danger of paralysis.

    Sciatica Pain Relief with Pain Relief Cushions...

    Heat and cold has long been known as excellent ways to alleviate many forms of pain, and this includes Sciatica pain.
    For sciatica pain relief, heat or freeze these cushions to help alleviate the pain, especially in the acute phase. Usually the cushions work best either hot or cold, when applied for approximately 20 minutes, and repeated every two hours. Most people use the cushions frozen first, which numbs sore tissues and slows the inflammation, but some people find more relief with heat. The two may be alternated to help with sciatica pain relief.

    We have many cushions that are suitable for sciatica pain relief..

    Sciatica Pain ReliefThe 'large cushion' is ideal for lower back pain and moulds perfectly to the back, hip and upper leg areas - ideal for Sciatica pain relief.

    Read more... Large Cushion for Sciatica Pain Relief

    Sciatica Pain ReliefThe 'square cushion' is ideal to cover larger areas, especially the lower back area. It is also versatile enough, without losing shape, to wrap around the leg and knee areas.
    Read more... Square Cushion for Sciatica Pain Relief

    The information on PainReliefCushions is not intended as a substitute for medical professional help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding certain conditions. A physician should always be consulted for back pain or any health problem.