The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. Sciatica and pinched nerve conditions are often debilitating, affecting daily comfort and quality of life. Sciatica is characterized by pain -- from minor to severe -- that travels along the sciatic nerve from back toward the buttock and down the leg. Pinched nerves on the other hand, come from too much pressure being put on a certain nerve and nearby tissue. Various treatments exist to soothe and prevent both conditions, including the proper mix of rest and exercise.
Identification
Remember that sciatica is a symptom and not a disorder, according to the MayoClinic.com website. Intense pain from the condition results from nerve problems such as a herniated disk, spinal tumors, trauma from an accident or piriformis syndrome, a muscle condition that impacts the lower spine. Signs of sciatica and pinched nerves are generally the same: back pain, tingling sensations and numbness. More serious indications of sciatica are loss of bowel or bladder control.
The MayoClinic.com website cites age and occupation as two contributing factors to sciatica and pinched nerves. Older Americans are more likely to suffer back problems or herniated disks says the site. People who have jobs that require heavy lifting are also more prone to developing these conditions. Pinched nerves can be caused by frequent typing or other repetitive actions. They can also originate from childhood health problems such as scoliosis.
Prognosis
Pain from sciatica and pinched nerves usually goes away on its own, within days or weeks. According to the Penn State Hershey Medical Center Health Information Library, most people with acute low back pain go back to work after a month. However, up to 75 percent of patients suffer back pain recurrence in the course of a year. The length of time symptoms are present can also depend on symptom severity, medical history, and any related medical problems.
The Right Exercises
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, if you have chronic lower back pain you should implement an exercise program into your lifestyle. Trained professionals may be helpful if you are unsure how to begin. Physical therapy, notes the site, should focus on exercises that keep the spine in neutral positions during daily activities.
Some appropriate exercises include low impact aerobic activity like swimming, walking, and biking. Swimming can be especially helpful because water can be soothing for pain as well as muscle-strengthening. In addition, non-traditional exercises such as yoga, tai chi and chi kung can be beneficial.
Lumbar-type exercises can also be effective. These can include hamstring stretches and pelvic tilts. To do hamstring stretches, lay on the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the ground, then slowly straighten one leg while lifting your heel toward the sky. Do this while supporting the back of your thighs with both hands. For the pelvic tilt, lay on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat, then tighten your abdominal muscles and pull your lower back to the ground. Hold for between five and 10 seconds.
Inappropriate Exercise
Remember that overly-aggressive exercise or high-impact activities may have been the cause of pinched nerves and sciatica to begin with. Go easy on the physical activity. The Penn State University Health Information Library warns that people vulnerable to back pain should avoid certain sports or actions that require sudden twisting movements like golf, football, baseball or weight lifting.
Further Prevention
Consult your physician if pain or discomfort is still present after two to three weeks. Other treatments might be necessary. Possible solutions could range from medications to steroid injections to spinal manipulation. In more serious cases, according to the MayoClinic.com, surgery may be needed to alleviate pinched nerves.
