6 Best Practices When Dealing with Sciatica, Revealed by Renowned Sciatica Doctor in Paramus

Work on Your Sleeping Hygiene

Sleep is your body’s way of recovering. But improper sleep can actually cause you more harm than good. You may not think there is such thing as a bad way of sleeping, but what if your preferred sleep position can harm your sciatic nerve? Sleeping on your stomach can worsen sciatic pain, so if this was your go-to sleeping position, you might want to reconsider it.

A lot of other poor sleeping habits can add to the pain, so it’s better you are aware of them now:

• Soft mattresses: it may seem comfortable to sleep on a soft mattress at first, but if you are suffering from sciatic pain, you may be better off sleeping on a plank. But because that is not particularly comfortable, sleeping on a firm mattress is the way to go. Invest in a high-quality mattress that offers good back support, to take some of the pressure off.
• Late coffee: coffee does have its advantages, but if you are a fan of caffeinated drinks late in the evening, your back may not be very thankful for it. These drinks can cause you to have a restless sleep, which puts pressure on your back.

Keep an Eye on Your Posture

Poor posture is one of the main causes of back issues worldwide. Unfortunately, everyday activities, such as sitting at our desks, looking at our smartphones, and carrying heavy bags around every day, can affect posture and lead to back pain.

Keep an eye on your posture and make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are pulled behind. If you have been used to a poor posture, it may seem painful to keep your back straight now, but it can actually help relieve sciatic pain by taking the pressure off of the sciatic nerve, thus alleviating back and leg pain and the burning sensation in the leg and foot.

Avoid Sitting for Long Periods

Most office jobs are a nightmare for people dealing with sciatic pain. Prolonged seating puts pressure on the spinal discs, compressing them and irritating the sciatic nerve. Sitting at a desk all day, driving for prolonged hours, staying on the couch all day, or basically, any activity that involves sitting for more than 5 hours a day is an issue for sciatica pain.

Every hour or so, stand up and do some light walking, to manage your back and reduce pain. 

Keep Yourself Active

Living a sedentary life is one of the main reasons for developing sciatic pain. Keeping yourself active helps strengthen your muscles, which offer better support to the spine. This reduces the risk of developing degenerative disk disease, which can lead to sciatic pain.

Make sure not to expose yourself to too much physical effort because this can increase the risk of developing sciatic pain as well. Make sure you know how to properly do your workout, as there are certain rules you need to follow if you want to manage your back. Always lift using your legs, which means squatting with your back straight, to avoid putting pressure on your back.

Seek Proper Diagnosis

Each person’s sciatica pain manifests differently. Some people can get rid of their sciatica symptoms in a matter of days by taking painkillers and not putting pressure on their back, whilst others need more advanced care.

This happens because sciatica pain can be caused by a number of factors. These factors may cause the pain to become more or less severe. Common conditions that lead to sciatic pain are:

• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Infections of the spine
• Spondylolisthesis
• Herniated disks
• Spinal tumors
• Spine injuries

Only a pain physician can tell for sure what causes sciatica pain after performing a physical examination. This is why it is recommended you seek a sciatica pain doctor if the pain persists for more than 4-5 days.

Explore Various Treatment Methods

We have established that sciatica pain can be caused by a number of conditions, and only a specialist can help you uncover the cause. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor will be able to present a range of treatment methods you can explore.

Do not assume surgery will be the go-to treatment option, as doctors usually go for less invasive treatment options. Surgical treatment is prescribed when other methods fail to alleviate pain.

Commonly prescribed treatment options include:

• Physical therapy: Physical exercise is often recommended by your doctor to help you get back into shape and make the healing process go more smoothly.
• Medication: If over-the-counter pain relievers have proven ineffective, your doctor can recommend stronger muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Minimally invasive procedures: This involves pain-relieving minimally invasive treatments, including steroid injections.

If you are looking for a sciatica pain doctor in Franklin Lakes, Paramus NJ, contact us today and get an appointment. We are available for phone general inquiries as well. If your sciatica is persistent and prevents you from doing the things you love, book an appointment at our clinic in Paramus, just off NJ-17, near the Paramus Park Mall and the Garden State Plaza Mall.