The largest nerve in the body is the sciatic nerve, and it is prone to sensitive changes which can cause excruciating pain which travels from the foot to the base of the spine. The condition in which the sciatic nerve cause this type of pain is called sciatica. Someone who experiences sciatic pain will find that the pain is centralized mainly in the hip area.
The sciatic nerve can become inflamed by simple things, such as pressure against it caused by wallets in your back pocket or wearing a belt too tightly. It is possible to correct these minor problems through various exercise, but only if you are under direct supervision of a therapist.
Studies have concluded that sciatica sufferers can eat bananas or potato skins to alleviate the problem due to the amounts of potassium contained in them. Also, potassium supplements and multivitamins can also be recommended to help stave off incidents of sciatica in those who suffer from it.
Hydrotherapy is also a possible treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Taking hot soaking baths has been shown to give some relief to sciatica conditions. In this case, you would soak your body in water that is the same temperature as your body for about 20-30 minutes. After this, you would take a hot shower as you normally would do.
It has been suggested that therapeutic massage can aid in providing relief for sciatica; it is also said to prevent any flare-ups that could occur. Naturally, it is advised that you call a therapist to get the best plan of action for your particular condition. Generally, after a therapist will massage the painful area, it will then be soothed by rubbing the effected area with an ice cube or a lukewarm, damp rag.
It is important not to strain areas of the sciatic nerve through conventional exercises. Pregnant women should also be careful not to exert excess pressure on sciatic nerve areas. In both instances if care is not taken, the sciatic nerve will begin to swell and stimulate pain, leading into the hips.
Reflexology can theoretically help sciatica. Reflexology helps you to find certain reflex areas of the body in the shoulders and around the sciatic nerve. Your therapist would be the best help to find these points of reflex.
