Simple Health Tips for Sciatica Sufferers

Debra Murray

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• acupuncture Emu oil heat therapy inflammation massage physical therapy sciatic nerve sciatica stretching Super Blue Stuff

The sciatic nerve is the longest, as well as the widest, nerve in the body. When it becomes inflamed, as often happens even in active men and women over the age of 50, it can cause tremendous pain radiating from the lower back all the way down one side of the leg. Anyone who experiences chronic pain in either the right or left buttock, a shooting pain down one leg that makes even sitting down or standing up painful, or a burning and tingling sensation that radiates from the top of the hip all the way down to the foot is suffering from sciatica. Since an episode of sciatica can prove to be quite debilitating, it's important to follow some simple health tips designed to alleviate the painful symptoms of sciatica. 

Proper Support 

Sitting in a chair or laying down on a mattress that creates less pressure on the lower back can help to alleviate sciatica symptoms. Individuals should check their posture as well as ensure they are wearing proper footwear to help eliminate the discomfort of sciatica. 

Gentle Stretching 

As men and women age, doing stretching exercises to keep the back muscles relaxed and the spine limber are essential and can help to prevent sciatica. Gentle stretching exercises can also help to reduce the tightness felt in lower back muscles when this nerve becomes inflamed. 

Alternate Hot and Cold Packs 

Many individuals find relief from sciatica by alternating the application of heat packs and ice packs to help stimulate increased blood flow along the sciatic nerve in addition to helping to reduce inflammation.  

Physical Therapy 

Getting a professional massage can go a long way toward relaxing tense back and leg muscles which contribute to sciatica pain. Some individuals find relief by sitting in a hot tub or directing the whirlpool jets in a Jacuzzi against their lower back and leg muscles. Acupuncture, an ancient Oriental therapy that stimulates the body's energy centers by inserting extremely fine needles into the skin, is another option for sciatica sufferers. 

Topical Remedies 

Creams, rubs and sprays containing pain relievers can be applied directly to the skin for fast relief. Proven and effective products such as Super Blue Stuff OTC with emu oil from BLUESPRING is a safe and natural way to support your body in attacking pain without any negative side effects. It has a non-medicinal, pleasant aroma that is absorbed quickly into the skin to provide hours of relief.