SCIATICA
Causes of sciatica
Poor posture accumulates pressure on the spine over time and a variety of resulting conditions then put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest spinal nerve in the human body. Extending from the lumbar and sacral plexuses in the lower back, the sciatic nerve runs through the buttocks and into the thighs. It delivers nerve signals to and from the muscles and skin of the thighs, lower legs and feet
- Bulging disc
- Herniated disc
- Slipped disc
- Instability of hips
Symptoms
- Sharp or searing pain rather the dull
- Pins and needles or numbness in the buttocks or legs
- Pain and other symptoms in the toes, depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected
- Lower back pain along with leg pain
- Constant pain, usually only on one side of the buttock or leg
- Pain stems from low back or buttock and carries on down the back of the leg and into the foot
- Pain is better when lying down or walking but gets worse when standing or sitting
- Pain can intensify when moving suddenly or when changing positions.
Treatment
Identifying the symptoms and getting a diagnosis that pinpoints the underlying cause of the pain is the first step in obtaining effective pain relief.
See your doctor for a diagnosis or recommendation for further treatment, including surgery.
- See a physiotherapist or osteopath to provide corrective solutions through manipulation and prescribed exercises
- Try stretching exercise classes that build the core and help correct the areas of tension build up, such as pilates, yoga or consider Tai Chi or the Alexander Technique for good posture . Always declare your injury to the teacher of the class.
- Heat and/or cold therapy helps relieve most types of low back pain by reducing inflammation. Often patients use ice pads, but some prefer heat. Both may be used alternately and there are many options available at pharmacies.
- A wide variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications is available to help reduce lower back pain. Seek advice as to which is best for you.
- Use a proper ergonomic/orthopaedic chair or adjustable back support cushion to correct your posture and allow your back to heal by reducing tension and pain build up from bad posture keep muscles strong.
Ceasing activity for a few days allows injured tissue and even nerve roots to begin to heal, which in turn will help relieve lower back pain. However, after the initial few days of rest, progressive and gentle exercise will usually help to reduce the pain. Exercise will help to keep the back muscles and spinal structures conditioned, otherwise long periods of inactivity can lead to deconditioning and weakening, leading to further back injury and strain, which causes additional pain. In addition, movement helps exchange nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep them healthy and prevent pressure.
How Corrigo can help
Many chairs lack the adjustablility that allows you to support your body in its own natural S shape. Corrigo chairs actively prevent you from sitting in a slouched C shape and adjust to fit you correctly so that your whole body is supported in an optimum S Shape curve. Every area should be supported to ensure maximum pressure reduction, relief from pain and ensuring balanced muscle use, from your hips and thighs to your back, neck and shoulders
Every individual is a different shape and size, even two people of the same height and weight will require different settings in a chair. Corrigo chairs recognise and embrace this individuality and our chairs therefore provide far higher levels of adjustability found in most chairs in the market place. The key areas of support needed to prevent and reduce sciatica are the lumbar curve, the upper back and arms.
Corrigo chairs have been specifically designed by an ergonomist and physiotherapist to prevent and reduce back pain by ensuring a healthy posture. If you are seeking treatment, it is essential to maximise your recovery and rehabilitation plan by correcting your posture, allowing your back to heal. No more slouching.
Contact us for a FREE consultation with our ergonomics expert on finding the right support option for you at info@corrigo-design.com
Or click HERE for more information on the Corrigo chair for sciatica, The Libero.
