Sciatica is a general term for pain originating from the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a disorder that causes mild to sharp and sometimes excruciating pain. Patients have described sciatic pain as mildly disturbing to burning, aching, deep, and similar to a sudden bolt of lightning. Sciatic nerve pain travels from the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the leg. Leg pain is the classic hallmark of sciatica. Low back pain may accompany sciatica, and some patients experience sciatic pain extending into the foot. Another characteristic of sciatica is it usually affects either the lower left or right side of the body.

Sciatic pain can make life miserable. Walking, standing, bending over, driving a car, working at a computer, catching up on household chores, sneezing or coughing, and many other activities of daily living can cause sudden and intense pain. Patients who suffer sciatica, especially of a more acute nature, find the symptoms disrupt many aspects of their life.

One reason the sciatic nerve causes so much pain is because it is the longest nerve in the body! The nerve starts at the back of the pelvis and runs downward through the hip area and buttocks into each leg. Near the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into two nerves—the tibial and peroneal nerves. The tibial nerve runs behind the knee and the peroneal nerve runs along the side of the calf and ankle. Through the tibial and peroneal nerves, the sciatic nerve innervates (‘stimulates’) the action of many muscles in the lower legs and enables feeling in the thighs, legs, and feet.

Besides pain, other symptoms may accompany sciatica. These symptoms include sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, burning, numbness or muscle weakness. Such symptoms may be felt in the buttock, thigh, behind the knee, calf, ankle, and sometimes the foot.

Causes of Sciatica

It’s important to understand what conditions cause sciatica because remember, sciatica is not a condition — it’s a medical term used to describe symptoms caused by other low back conditions.

Several low back conditions can cause sciatica, including:

• Bulging disc or herniated disc: This is the most common cause of sciatica. When a disc bulges, the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) pushes against the outer wall of the disc (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc means that the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus. With both bulging and herniated discs, the disc material can press on nerve roots, causing sciatica. The consequences of a herniated disc are worse than those of a bulging disc. The disc material that leaks out contains an acidic, chemical irritant (hyaluronic acid) that causes nerve inflammation.
• Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Sciatica is a common result of the aging process that affects discs called degenerative disc disease. DDD is a change in the disc shape and function, and it can result in a bulging disc or a herniated disc and pain.
• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the lower part of the spine, connects to the thighbone, and helps you rotate your hip. The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle, so muscle spasms can compress the sciatic nerve. It may be difficult to diagnose and treat as it is not easily identified by x-ray or MRI.
• Pregnancy: The extra weight and pressure on your spine caused by pregnancy can cause compression of the sciatic nerve. The symptoms will usually go away after childbirth.
• Spinal stenosis: Your nerves travel through passageways in your spine, and when this space narrows (stenosis), it can put pressure on the nerves in your low back.
• Spinal tumors and spinal infections: Although very rare, tumors and infections can compress the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis: If a vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, it’s called spondylolisthesis. This slip can pinch the nerve root and cause sciatica.
• Trauma: You can develop sciatica because of direct nerve compression from an outside force. For example, you could be injured in a car accident, resulting in a pinched nerve in your low back.

Treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms will often be different, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Ayurveda is specialized in treating Sciatica with highest treatment success rate. It offers excellent Panchakarma therapies along with internal medicines for treating Sciatica.

Ayurveda described sciatica as Gridhrasi (Gridhra means Eagle), as the gait of the affected person resembles that of an eagle’s walk and the inflamed nerve appears like eagle’s beak.

Ayurveda categorized Sciatica as one of diseases caused by vitiation Vata (one of the principle dosha in the body, responsible for the movement and functionality of the body). Sometimes even kapha (dosha responsible for lubrication and bodily fluids) vitiation along with vata (vata kaphaj) also causes sciatica.

Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium. Ayurvedic treatments for Sciatica concentrate on bringing back the aggravated vata or vata kapha to the state of equilibrium and thereby to the state of health.

Treatment comprises of three approaches, Elimination (Sodhanam) of the accumulated toxic products of digestion, metabolism and the disease process, Pacification (Samanam) and correction of the entities responsible for altered functioning and Rasayanam (Rejuvenation) of the bodily tissue to regain and maintain natural strength and vitality.

The strength of Ayurveda in the area of spine and joint treatments is globally appreciated. Since it addresses the root cause of the issue the results are fantastic. Therapies like Abyanga swedam, Pathrapotala swedam, Choornapinda swedam, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Kadeevasthy, Navarakizhi, Vasti (the most important procedure in Ayurveda for curing Sciatica permanently) etc. are done as per the necessity and condition. These therapies are directed towards relieving the inflammatory changes and underlying causes of Sciatica, releasing the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthening and nourishing entire spine & supporting tissues. Usually the treatment period is 3 – 5 weeks according to the severity of the disease.

Along with these therapies, Ayurveda has also described Sira vedana (Venesection) and Agni karma (Heat therapy) for treating Sciatica.

In four to six weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved without surgery.

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dr m chandrashekhar

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Fibromyalgia is a term that is used to diagnose individuals who suffer from chronic muscular irritation. Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia experience very tender muscular points that cause intense pain. There are other symptoms as well that they suffer such as, extreme fatigue, irritable bowl syndrome, headaches, insomnia, and depression. Fibromyalgia can be debilitating to those who suffer from it. The onset of fibromyalgia is often seen in individuals who have gone through an extreme emotional or physical trauma. It appears that those who have been diagnosed with this disease also do not enter into deep sleep cycles and when this happens, the muscles do not have a chance to rest and recover properly. Back pain is increased when a person does not get adequate rest. Individuals who experience this disease may also suffer from other forms of muscle problems such as tendonitis, bursitis, muscle strain, cramping, and spasms.

Along with the many symptoms of fibromyalgia, back pain is often a primary complaint among those who suffer with the disease. Whether the pain is in the upper or lower portion of the back, there is extreme discomfort. Many times, it is impossible to sit or stand for extended periods. Here are some methods of back pain relief for those who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Heat is an exceptional therapy for the majority of muscle aches and pains, and it works especially well for the upper and lower back. Heat works to loosen up the muscles and stimulate circulation, allowing your body to heal itself. Different types of heat therapies include:

Heat wraps: Many heat wraps today are made to wrap around portions of your lower back or any section of your back that is in pain. They can be warmed in a microwave or in a sink of warm water. Many of these wraps are designed so that you can wear them during the night and up to eight hours.

Heating pad: These are great and simple to use. You can place them on the back of your chair or whatever surfaces you may be lying on. They are excellent at targeting specific areas of pain in your back.

Warm baths: Besides being a great stress reliever, they are excellent for relieving back pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Back supports are an excellent tool to help alleviate back pain (upper and lower). They are excellent if you have to sit for extended periods in front of a computer or desk. When purchasing a back support look for one that has a curve that will fit into the lower back region. It should have a high back that will ensure that your neck and shoulders are also in alignment and that it has an adjustable back (this way you can use it with a variety of different chairs).

You may want to consider exercises that are designed to eliminate (or at least minimize) back pain. Back exercises will help to strengthen your back muscles and helping to bring your spine into alignment. Be careful and only do these according to your level of comfort.

Curl up: Curls strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles.

Upper body extension: These extensions strengthen the muscles in your upper back

Arm-leg Extension: This exercise will help keep your spine in alignment, which will relieve the pressure on your lower back.

Electric stimulation is effective pain relief for those suffering back pain from fibromyalgia. The electric stimulation is used to block the pain receptors that cause the nerves to become irritated. This micro-current stimulates healing to the area of tissue that is injured. It can also be used to charge the muscles to contract. If you want to try this method, find a practitioner who is licensed with this type of therapy treatment. You may want to look into alternative treatments for both your back pain and fibromyalgia. Many therapies available help to relieve muscle soreness while at the same time increasing circulation, which will enhance muscle repair. Always look for a qualified practitioner before beginning any type of alternative therapy treatments. Some other alternative treatments to consider include acupuncture, massage therapy, and hydrotherapy.

There are many forms of treatment available for those who suffer from back pain due to fibromyalgia. Always consult with your medical professional and they can help you on your journey to experiencing less pain in your life.

Pete Wyatt
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/fibromyalgias-role-in-back-pain-and-some-tips-to-provide-relief-52114.html

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The spinal column may be divided broadly into two main sections. The thoracic or upper spine helps protect the organs that it covers and facilitates the different postures that we adopt. The lumbar or the lower half of the spine is responsible for movement, as is the neck.

Everyone, some more than others, has experienced back pain at some point in his life. The causes for back pain are many. Most people suffer from lower back pain and though upper back pain is not as common, it does occur.

The lower back is susceptible to injuries, as complaints from those who suffer a backache testify. The lumbar region is prone to discs being displaced. Discs degenerate with age and sometimes the spinal column narrows abnormally.

Backache in the upper portion of the back is the result of aberrations or damage to the thoracic backbone. Pain could be caused by irritation of the fibrous tissue between the muscles and due to the malfunctioning of joints. A deterioration of the discs in the upper back may instigate such a complaint as well. These problems often go unnoticed by those who suffer from pain in the upper region of the back, since there is restricted movement in this part of the spinal cord. For the same reason, the upper back is not as prone to injury as the lower portion. It is firmer from not being subjected to great mobility.

The main cause for upper back pain is defective posture. People who regularly work at computers are liable to develop upper backache. This kind of pain often exists in conjunction with pain in the neck and shoulder. Trauma after an accident where the upper vertebrae are injured can cause intense pain. This is not common. However if the case arises, rush the individual to a doctor. The earlier tests are run to assess the damage, the sooner can the treatment begin.

If a joint malfunctions or an irritation caused by the muscles brings pain, there are ways to combat the discomfort and ease the excruciating pain some may be racked with. Exercising everyday may lessen the pain. Physiotherapy sessions might cure the condition as well. An osteopath could alleviate the pain by chiropractic manipulation of the spine. Massages by reputed practitioners, especially deep massages to treat the condition, could bring some much-needed relief. Acupuncture, an alternative gaining in popularity could be your answer. A doctor may choose to inject local anesthesia into the points that trigger off the pain. Chemists may sell medicines that bring relief. The most common antidote would be drugs prescribed by your doctor.

If you have a persistent backache, don’t neglect it. It is better to get to the root of the cause. Once that has been established, you can follow it up with the right treatment, depending on the severity your case.

Stephen Madsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-the-causes-of-back-pain-87319.html

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You know what it feels like when out of the blue your back suddenly seizes in debilitating pain and it’s all you can do to keep from falling to the floor. That’s what acute back pain is, a sudden sharp and severe intense pain that comes on unexpectedly and quickly. This is unlike chronic back pain which is more continuous or constant. Fortunately there are ways to find relief for acute back pain that will help the symptoms until you can get proper medical treatment.

For anyone who has suffered acute back pain you know how difficult it can make everyday tasks. This type of pain is normally caused by some sort of injury to the back but can also be caused by other chronic conditions that have been left untreated. It is the type of pain that is hard to ignore and the best advice anyone can give it to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get the right treatment.

There are several things you can do for back pain relief before you see your doctor or even while you are letting your back heal. The most important thing to do is to try and keep your spine in a neutral position at all times. This means you want to keep the natural curvature of the spine intact. You can do this by using a lumbar role when sitting and by making a conscious effort to avoid slouching. When sitting it is also a good idea to use an ergonomically designed chair that offers good support. Avoid “comfy” furniture that is soft and offers little support as this can actually cause the pain to worsen.

If you need to drive or ride in a car there are a couple of things you can do to make the ride less painful. The lumbar role that you use around the house can also be used in the car to keep you spine in a neutral position. If you are driving consider moving the seat back to make you arms straighter when holding the steering wheel. This keeps the whole body in a more upright posture relieving the stress on your back.

Making the injury worse is the last thing you want to do if you are looking for back pain relief. Lifting anything heavy, or even a light load, should be avoided to keep from further aggravating the problem. Another thing you don’t want to do is sleep on a soft bed as it will not support the back and lengthen the healing process.

That is the key to any type of back pain relief from an injury or other condition, giving it a chance to heal. Of all the parts of the body the back can take an inordinate amount of time to heal. Trying to rush back into your old routine will only make the problem worse and take that much longer to get better.

Andrew Bicknell
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/getting-relief-for-acute-back-pain-734484.html

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