What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is common enough that approximately 40% of the population will experience it at some point in their lives. There are many causes for sciatica, and treatment usually hinges on addressing underlying causes.
Read more about sciatica here: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/sciatica.aspx
Causes of sciatica as informed by the the Cleveland Clinic
- herniated or slipped disc-causes pressure on the nerve root (this is the most common cause)
- piriformis syndrome-this is when the piriformis muscle in the buttock becomes tight or spasms, applying pressure to the nerve
- spinal stenosis-a result of the narrowing of the spinal canal, which buts pressure on the nerve
- spondylolistheses-a result of a narrowing cause by a slipped vertebra, which is out of line with the one above it
How do we treat Sciatica?
Diagnosing sciatica
- a straight leg test- lying on your back, you raise your leg to varying degrees. Noting at which position the pain begins can help pinpoint the effected part of the nerve and the slipped disc.
- Other diagnostic test such as the straight leg test
- x-ray- to look for spinal fractures
- Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) or computed tomography(CT) scan- shows the structure of the back
- Nerve conduction velocity studies/electromyography- measures how well electrical impulses travel trough the nerve
- myelogram- dye injected between vertebra in order to reveal which disc is causing the pain
Treating sciatica
- medicine -for pain relief
- over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- aspirin
- Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- might cause confusion in older individuals
- might cause confusion in older individuals
- prescription pain killer might be given in the initial stages of treatment if pain is great enough
- over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)
- physical therapy-exercise movements that will decrees sciatic pain by reducing pressure on the nerve
- stretching exercises
- pelvic tilt -lying on your back with your knees bent, tighten your abdomen so that the flat of your back presses against the floor, hold up to five seconds, and repeat this three times
- knee-to-chest -lying on your back with both legs straight, bring one knee up to your chest, press the small of you back to the floor (pelvic tilt), hold for five seconds, and repeat on the other side
- back stretch -lying on your stomach, use your arms to push up your upper body from the floor, let your back relax and sag, and hold for five seconds
- pelvic tilt -lying on your back with your knees bent, tighten your abdomen so that the flat of your back presses against the floor, hold up to five seconds, and repeat this three times
- aerobic exercises such as walking
- stretching exercises
- spinal injections -this is an injection of cortisone-like anti-inflammatory medicine in the lower back to help reduce swelling and inflammation, allowing increased mobility
- surgery -might be needed if patient hasn't been successfully treated by conservative treatment, has progressing symptoms, and is experiencing severe pain
- microdiscectomy -removing a fragment of a herniated disc
- laminectomy -the bone that curves around the spinal cord (lamina) and tissue causing pressure on the nerve is removed
- microdiscectomy -removing a fragment of a herniated disc
- many people believe that these biofeedback practices can help one manage sciatic pain
- yoga -very similar to physical therapy in many cases
- acupuncture -ancient Chinese system of health care, which promotes bodily resistance to illness by correcting imbalances and prompts the body to produce chemicals that decrease or eliminate painful sensations
- massage -promotes health and well being by soft tissue manipulation and movement
- yoga -very similar to physical therapy in many cases
Read more about identifying and treating sciatica here: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_What_is_Sciatica
How Bhujangasana Can Help Us Care for Our Sciatica
In yogic myth, a cobra hangs around Shiva's (the creator of yoga) neck. The venom of the cobra represents avidya or the veil of illusion that stands between us and the truth of our divine nature. This veil represents fear and bhujangasana represents our ability to overcome fear. When one lives with sciatica living life in motion becomes fearful. How fitting that this pose gives those suffering from sciatica a way to overcome the pain which keeps them poisoned with fear.
Cautions
- back injury
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- headache
- pregnancy
Technique
- Lying on your stomach, stretch you legs back, tops of your feet on the floor
- Place your hands below your shoulders on the floor with fingers spread wide, hugging your elbows back into you body
- While pressing your lower body to the floor, inhale, and begin to lift your upper body up off the floor with the strength of your back, abdomen and core muscles
- raise yourself only as high as you can without strain
- use your arms to help balance, and if comfortable you can push your hands forward, straightening the arms
- push your shoulders down, lift from the sternum, avoid pushing the ribs forward, and distribute the back bend evenly through the spine
- hold this pose for as long as you are able with easy breathing
- release to the floor with an exhalation
Here is an article from yoga journal that provides a wealth of information on Bhujangasana or cobra pose: http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/cobra-pose/
I hope this article has provided you with some useful knowledge about how to identify and treat sciatica for yourself and the one's you love. Seek medical attention when you think it is necessary, and always be very careful addressing bodily injury.
If there is ever anything that you would like to hear about please let me know in the comments area here or on the Facebook group “For the Love of Self.” I am always happy to hear comments on how to improve or to hear what you enjoyed about the current article. May your sciatica be relieved! :-) Have a wonderful week! Do your best to take care of your back, so that you might see life without the fear of pain clouding your vision! Aaron Szczurek <3 :-)