Self Treatment For Sciatica Should Be Done only in specific cases

The general opinion is that sciatica is caused by conditions that lead to compression of the sciatic nerve. This can happen for certain alterations in the spinal discs due to injury or degeneration or the natural aging process that leads to narrowing of the spinal cord.

The opinion is correct of course. However, there are conditions that can lead to sciatica even if not related to the spinal discs. Most of these conditions are caused by poor posture and lack of exercise.

Treating yourself is a dangerous thing in any condition and should not be attempted. The only aspect of the condition that you should try handle on your own is the cause of sciatica pain . Sciatica is a symptom and not a disease, and self-treatment of sciatica is possible in cases where it is caused due to compression of the spinal discs.

Sciatica is primarily caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve roots. The sciatic nerve has five roots that leave the lower spine. In many cases, the joints and lower back muscles that irritate nerve tense and painful. Stretching exercises such joints and muscles can go a long way in relieving stress.

The piriformis muscle, located beneath the gluteal muscles that form the buttock and move the thigh, are probably the most common cause behind what is known as pseudo sciatica - sciatic pain caused by conditions not related to the discs. The piriformis muscle spasms constrict and strangle the sciatic nerve beneath the muscle, causing a condition known medically as piriformis syndrome.

The sacroiliac joint, the joint between the sacrum (a wedge-shaped bone that has five fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvis.) And the ilium (the uppermost and widest of the three bones that make the hips) develops distortions due to excessive sitting in a chair, sit on the portfolio or sleep in a fetal position. The condition is aggravated due to lack of stretching exercises related to these areas with the results of spinal conditions and soft tissue causing sciatica.

Regular exercise, proper positions, natural remedies and a healthy lifestyle and are good preventive measures can effectively prevent a situation where you might need treatment for sciatic nerve. However, once you have been diagnosed with disc related sciatica, self treatment is of little help and even condition requires expert guidance to identify exercises that are effective and safe.

General or pseudo sciatica sciatica, however, can deal effectively with stretching exercises you can do at home. Obviously, in some cases an initial direction should be required. The distortions in the pelvis can be corrected and exercises to improve postural defects.

There is no cure for sciatica and sciatica causes must be considered individually. Sciatica related records, requires consultation with experts from alternative remedies or conventional specialties such as chiropractic, yoga, acupuncture, herbal therapy and exercise.

A word of caution should be added here. Although some cases of sciatica can be treated at home, it is recommended that patients consult a professional and avoid self-treatment to prevent the condition becomes worse.