What is Sciatica?
With more than 3 million US cases per year, sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. It usually happens when a bone spur or herniated disk presses on the sciatic nerve, creating a pinching sensation that originates in the spines and sometimes radiates down the back of the leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of the body.
Some symptoms that are often associated with sciatica are numbness (typically on the back of the leg), trouble maintaining any posture for too long (specifically sitting and lying down), and shooting or burning pain right around the lower back. This pain could reach all the way down to the feet depending on the severity of the pinched nerve.
The good news is that in most cases, this is not a permanent diagnosis. The sooner that this ailment is treated- the better, as it can quickly progress. Here are some tips for non-surgical pain relief from the wellness professionals here at Massage Therapy Concepts!
Nonsurgical Treatment for Sciatica
Physical Therapy
The first recommendation we have for those suffering from sciatica is a form of physical therapy that you can do right at home. This video by Activ Chiropractic demonstrates a variety of one minute exercises that help relieve some of the pressure on the sciatic nerve, and over time could aid the lessening of the severity of that pinched nerve. Acute sciatica can typically improve within 4-6 weeks, however chronic sciatica that has lasted longer than 8 weeks maybe take longer or have another underlying cause. Please consult a physician if this is the case, or even earlier to detect any other possible causes for the back pain.
Electrical Stimulation
Last but definitely not least, we highly recommend the use of TENS/EMS Units as a natural and non-invasive form of pain relief as your sciatica is healing. TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and it works by improving circulation around the source of pain (encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms) as well as stimulating the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkiller). The unit sends gentle but purposeful electrical shocks through the skin to stimulate the right nerves. These electrical impulses are not painful at all, and have been described to feel pleasant- more like a light tingling or even a massage.
VPOD Wireless TENS, EMS & NMES Unit
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The VPod is a one of a kind electrical stimulation unit since it has TENS/EMS and NMES technology, all in over wireless device which you can control from the VPod App. For more info on the VPod, visit VPod.Life.
Happy Healing!