Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica.
Sometimes chronic pain can have an obvious cause such as a broken bone, torn muscles or ligaments, osteo arthritis, or cancer tumours. However, chronic pain can happen anywhere in the body, and if it happens in the lower back area of the sciatic nerve, may result in chronic pain. Unfortunately, people with severe sciatica that is also associated with significant leg-weakness, might be candidates for surgery to help relieve the excruciating pain from the nerve damage.
About sciatica.
Sciatica is best described as a slipped disc or a bone spur in the lower back that presses on the nerve root which branches in two parts, and radiates from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg until just below the knee. Usually, only one leg is affected, and the compression of the sciatic nerve, results in inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness in the leg. Pain is generally felt in the buttock, and the back of the thigh or the back of the calf. Studies have shown that sciatica mostly affects one leg at a time, but it is possible for it to affect both legs. This depends on where the nerve is being pinched in the lower spine.
Sciatica pain.
Depending on the cause, sciatic nerve pain is described in different ways by people battling with the condition. Some describe it as sharp, shooting, jolts of pain, stabbing, or burning. Mild sciatica usually goes away after a time, with the help of special exercises and anti-inflammatory meds. However, if there is no improvement and the pain becomes progressively worse, opt for immediate medical intervention. This is especially necessary if you have experienced an injury from a traffic accident or a bad fall, which has resulted in severe pain in your lower back.
An injury, or a previous injury, puts you at a high risk for sciatica. Other risk factors include:
· Overweight. Your back muscles have to strain and work much harder, pulling on the spine.
· A physical job. A job which requires heavy lifting can increase your chances of low back issues, which may impact negatively on the sciatic nerve.
· Lack of exercise. If you do not get any exercise and keep your muscles moving, back muscles can go into a spasm and press on, or even pinch, the sciatic nerve which results in pain and numbness in the leg.
Sciatica is a very common complaint which originates in the lower back, the most prevalent area for a slipped disc, as that section of the back has to bear almost all the body weight in many instances.
An alternative treatment.
Research has indicated that about 40% of people in the US will experience sciatica at some time during life. Many try to control chronic pain by means of medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, it may help, but in other cases the pain could be so severe, that surgery becomes the only possible solution. However, hypnosis treatment for sciatica has become a powerful alternative option, when compared to all the traditional medical approaches, to manage back pain. Hypnosis has been proven effective at reducing the pain of many suffering patients, by implanting psychological suggestions which points to the strong connection of mind/body interactions.
Hypnosis is not being promoted as a cure for all kinds of pain. It simply offers a better pain management option than those offered by pharmaceutical drugs.
Hypnotherapy has no side effects, and no harmful reactions with any medications you may be taking. Always seek out the services of a professional, competent therapist.