“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)
We are talking about Sciatica. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body. Five nerves from the lumbar and sacrum area of the lower back come together to form a right and left sciatic nerve. These nerves run through the buttocks and down the back of the legs to the knee. At the knee, the sciatic nerve branches into other nerves and runs down the calf into the feet and toes. This is why you can feel sciatic pain all the way down your leg.
The pain can be excruciating at times. It may feel like a burning sensation, mild ache, numbness, or like an electrical shock. The pain, which is due to the nerve being pinched, is often caused by bone spurs, spinal stenosis, or herniated disks. However, there can be other more serious causes, and it should be properly diagnosed by a physician. Often the pain is short-term and can be managed by self-care.
Risk factors include:
• Age
• Prolonged sitting
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Arthritis in the spine
• Injury
Prevention:
• Exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles
• Posture while seated
• Good body mechanics while standing for extended periods and when lifting heavy objects including weights at the gym
Self-Care:
• For the first couple of days apply ice, then switch to heat
• Over the counter medication for mild pain and inflammation
• Gentle stretching or yoga
• Chiropractic care or acupuncture
• Reflexology
Reflexology, a holistic touch therapy, has been successful in the management of most sciatic pain. For more information, contact Louise Richardson, Certified Reflexologist, at (813) 965-1697. Or go to www.Reflexology4You.com. Office hours are by appointment only.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:30)