Pain in the legs caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve can be intense. Depending on where the compression is in the lower back, the pain can radiate down different paths in the leg. It will often feel tingly or numb, and sometimes can cause weakness in the foot or ankle. There are several ways to treat or reduce the pain.
Instructions
1. Rest for a couple of days to see if the symptoms go away. Alternate ice and heat on the lower back, take anti-inflammatories and try some simple stretches for the the lower back (see Step 4). Focus your healing efforts on the sciatic nerve in the lower back since pressure there is what causes sciatic leg pain. If pain persists for more than two days, make an appointment to see your general practitioner.
2. Determine if the pain is being caused by a herniated disc in the back or by piriformis muscle syndrome, which is when the compression on the sciatic nerve is caused by a muscle spasm in the buttocks. Your doctor can order X-rays, MRIs and other tests to discover the precise cause of the pain.
3. Get medication from your doctor. Take anti-inflammatories if the pain is from a disc or spinal stenosis. Take a muscle relaxer for pain caused by piriformis muscle syndrome.
4. Do daily exercises and stretches for your lower back as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. Exercises such as modified crunches, cobra stretches, knee-to-chest stretches, and opposite arm and leg raises can be done to relieve pain and strengthen muscles in the affected area. Consult your doctor for an exact schedule based on your specific injury and abilities.
5. Visit a chiropractor or acupuncturist if pain persists. Massaging in the lower back and gluts can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. A foam roller used gently on the lower back and gluts may help as well.
Tags: lower back, sciatic nerve, back gluts, back gluts help, gluts help