By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-04-22 18:53:20 | Word Count: 664
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It is located from the lower back to the legs. At the lower back, the sciatic nerve is connected to root nerves stemming from the spinal column. When there is irritation of the nerve roots that are connected to the sciatic nerve, this can cause pain to radiate to the arms and legs. Sciatica is a symptom of another condition. Essentially it happens as a result of another condition. It is characterized by pain in the lower back to the legs, feet and even waist.
The treatments for sciatica should address the root cause of sciatica. These causes may include trauma. Trauma happens when nerves are compressed because of abrupt applied force. This can happen if you get into a car or other accident, play contact sports or participate in high impact activities. If you have a bulging or herniated disc, this can also cause nerve irritation. When a disc isnt functioning properly or degenerating, it forces components of that disc to spill out and extend beyond the normal area and make inappropriate contact with nerve roots. When a nerve root is disrupted this can be very painful. Piriformis syndrome happens when the piriformis muscle aggravates the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is positioned beneath the piriformis muscle. There are also other disorders and conditions that can trigger sciatica.
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Treatment Options:
Typically, treatment for sciatica begins with treatment of the condition or disorder that caused the sciatic nerve to be aggravated. A treatment option is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These over the counter medications can be found in your local pharmacy or grocery store. Other options include injections, rest, surgery, exercise and physical therapy.
Magnetic Therapy
If you want to manage your sciatica on a day to day basis, using magnetic therapy could be an option for you. Magnets increase circulation and reduce inflammation, thus making your sciatica dissipate. Magnetic therapy is recommended in lieu of surgery and medications. There are no noted side effects to magnetic therapy, unlike with other treatment methods.
Magnetic therapy can utilize two different kinds of support. There is a bed pad and back strap solution. This strap should be worn around the clock. The magnets on the back strap are positioned adjacent to the root nerve that is irritated and causing the pain. The bed pad or pillow is a magnetic pad that you sit or lay on at night or whenever you are in bed. The magnetic contact with your body will cause a reduction in pain.
There are also magnetic patches that can attach to the body with an adhesive lining. The magnetic patches are placed near the nerves that are causing the pain. People that use pacemakers and women who are pregnant should seek other methods of treatment for their sciatica. Regardless of how sever your sciatica is, magnetic therapy can go a long way in relieving your pain and getting you back to feeling your best.
