Many of my patients suffer from sciatica, but how can you tell when your sciatic pain is improving?

For some people, the agony that comes with sciatica might be one of the most excruciating feelings they have ever experienced.

When it seems like there’s no escape from such overwhelming distress, any reduction in intensity offers an immense sense of relief and hope for those who struggle with this condition.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica sets in when something applies pressure to or rubs against the sciatic nerve in your spine.

This discomfort usually radiates from your lower back, down through your legs, and possibly even reaches into your toes!

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a slipped disc, which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, and then causes the pain you’re feeling.

However, certain behaviours / factors can raise your risk of developing sciatica. The most common factors for developing sciatica include the following:

1. As your body ages, it becomes more and more likely that parts of it will wear out or break down.
2. Certain careers place a lot of strain on your back, especially those that involve lifting heaving objects, sitting for extended periods of time, or twisting movements.
3. Having bad posture.

How Can I Ease My Sciatic Pain?

The problem is that if you completely rest when you’re in pain, not only does the disc stay slipped but the muscles that control your lower back will become weak, and therefore provide less support to the already problematic and painful area.

Restricting the amount of time spent sitting can be helpful as well. I’m aware that you may think, “sitting doesn’t make it worse,” however I’ve discovered that a lot of my clients are slouching in an altered manner to keep away from their discomfort.

This makes your pain last longer and often leaves you with an uncomfortable-looking posture long after the back trouble has gone.

Don’t Stop Walking

Continue gentle exercise as soon as you can – anything that gets you moving can help.

For those living with sciatica, a gentle stroll can be incredibly beneficial; not only will it promote the release of endorphins which help to fight pain, but also reduce inflammation.

Walking is one of the most overlooked forms of exercise, it’s simple, free, and one of the best ways to get more active, become healthier, and lose weight without too much effort.

Alternate Heat And Ice Therapy

Using both heat and ice therapy can provide relief for sciatica. Ice helps with inflammation and heat encourages blood flow, these are essential to ease painful muscle spasms.

Stretch It Out!

Every day that you wake up and you’re not doing something small to help yourself to stay active, you’ll be getting stiffer and stiffer.

You’ll be losing the flexibility of vital muscles and joints, and as this happens, you’re more and more likely to suffer from things like sciatica and other life-changing pains.

How Do I Know When My Sciatica Is Improving?

Determining if sciatica is getting better is actually pretty straightforward.

The severity of the pain isn’t a good indication of healing, but the actual location and movement of the pain is.

It’s as simple as knowing whether the pain is ‘retreating or going’ or whether the pain is getting more intense.

Imagine if the discomfort in your buttocks one day was suddenly radiating down both legs the next – this would indicate that it has only gotten worse, not better.

However, keep in mind that if you’re feeling less pain, then sciatica symptoms are improving!

For most people, sciatic pain usually lasts between 2-6 weeks with acute pain lasting around 1-2 weeks.

Does Sciatica Get Worse Before it Gets Better?

Sciatica can get worse before it gets better – but it can get better.

Specific exercises (and of course, physiotherapy) can help. It might be painful at first but if you persist with exercises and treatment, the pain level can begin to drop.

Want More Free Resources To Help Your Sciatica?

If you’ve been suffering from sciatica or back pain and haven’t been able to find any solution for short-term relief, you can find out how to end stiffness in your back without the need for painkillers and avoid going to see the GP in my free back pain report.

Download Hartlepool’s #1 Back Pain Expert free report here – Free Back Pain Report

Do You Feel Like You Need Immediate Relief And Help From A Sciatica?

Is the pain from your sciatica becoming unbearable and you need help from Hartlepool’s leading back pain specialist?

I know that suffering from sciatica can be frustrating and often life-limiting. I believe you should be able to carry out your daily life free from pain and sciatica so you can do things like walk the dog or keep up with your grandchildren.

Physiotherapy could be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.

I’m currently offering a free sciatica consultation where you can speak to a member of my team, ask the questions you have and discover the best treatment options for you to return to your life pain-free while eliminating your sciatica.

To arrange your free back pain consultation, fill in our simple web form or call my clinic on 01429 866 771 to speak to a member of my team. On Social Media? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn