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Eight in ten French people suffer or will suffer from back pain during their lifetime. Sciatica is one of them: the pain, characteristic, radiates from the buttock to the foot. It is usually due to a herniated disc that compresses the sciatic nerve. But how to relieve it?
Eight in ten French people suffer or will suffer from back pain during their lifetime. Sciatica is one of them: the pain, characteristic, radiates from the buttock to the foot. It is usually due to a herniated disc that compresses the
sciatic nerve. But how to relieve it?
When you have a sciatica attack , the first thing to do is to take care of yourself and rest your back. Every effort can make the situation worse . It is therefore necessary to avoid all movements that risk awakening the pain. It is advisable not to lean too far forward, not to carry heavy loads, to dispense with housework for a while (you can easily get help) and, of course, not to play any sport… Relieve your pain by using heat thanks to a hot water bottle or heating patches sold in pharmacies!
Taking anti-inflammatory drugs to calm the pain
To provide some relief, taking anti-inflammatory drugs can be a solution. Sometimes, even, when the pain is unbearable, the doctor has to prescribe morphine. Better to consult quickly because most drugs are only available on prescription.
The use of infiltration
If nothing works after two or three weeks of pain, it is possible to consider cortisone injections around the sciatic nerve to reduce inflammation. But the effectiveness of infiltration is debated. And the main risk is that of infection, even if it is low.
Wearing a corset
Immobilizing the spine for six weeks may promote faster healing . But, again, the effectiveness is not proven. So see a doctor: he can help you make the right choice in the end. Some practitioners recommend wearing a back belt, but each case is different.
The right positions to adopt
Certain positions will increase the pain. Sleep preferably in a gun dog, with a cushion between the knees . This position relieves the vertebral discs. Getting out of bed is also tricky: lie on your back, pivot to the side and bend your knees, your feet in the air. Then rock by pushing on the arm to sit down. Finally, to stand up, push up on your arms to go upward without leaning forward.