You’ve been hurting for months. You can’t stay on your feet for more than a few minutes. It hurts to sit for too long. Recently you can’t get a good night’s sleep because you just can’t get comfortable. The painkillers aren’t working, and you’re starting to think seriously about back surgery. But after all the expense, rehabilitation and risk, will you bet better off? There are alternatives to surgery, and they just might work for you.

Back pain that leads to surgery is often associated with a damaged intervertebral disc or spinal stenosis. The discs are the tough, flat cushions between the vertebrae. Imagine a disc as the warm toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two graham crackers in a s’more. If the crackers are pressed together evenly, the marshmallow will spread out evenly as well. If you squeeze just one side of the sandwich together, the marshmallow (or disc) will ooze out to the opposite side. That’s what happens with a “slipped” disc. The protruding part can irritate a nearby nerve. If it ruptures, there can be chemical irritation of the nerve as well. The discs also tend to degenerate, flatten and become less resilient over the years, so there is less space for the nerves where they come out of the spinal column.

Siatica (Sciatica) is an irritation of the siatic/sciatic nerve. It can cause radiating pain, burning sensations or cramping in the buttocks and down the leg. This may be caused by a nerve root problem in the lower part of the spine, but it can also be caused by impingement further down in the area of the buttocks. The piriformis muscle runs across the back of each hip joint, deep in the buttock, where it crosses paths with the sciatic nerve. Pressure from an overly tight piriformis muscle is believed to irritate the sciatic nerve causing buttock and/or radiating leg pain. This is known as piriformis syndrome. It can be addressed by releasing excess tension and any “trigger points” (knotted areas) in the piriformis and associated muscle groups.

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to compression of the enclosed spinal cord and nerves. Fractures of the spine can also result in unstable vertebral joints and irritation to the spinal nerves.

Treatment Options

Common surgical procedures for these conditions include discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion. In a discectomy, the part of the disc that is stressing the spinal cord or a nerve is removed. Removing or trimming part of the bony structure around the spinal cord (the lamina) is called a laminectomy. This may be done to widen the spinal canal when it has been restricted by stenosis, or to provide access for a discectomy. Spinal fusion fixes vertebrae together using bone grafts and screws or other hardware to prevent any movement between them.

Determining when surgery is appropriate is not always easy. Most incidents of back pain resolve themselves over several weeks. Even cases of severe chronic back pain or sciatica may respond very well to more conservative treatments. Individuals with substantial disc degeneration and/or stenosis can return to an active pain-free life without surgery. Surgeons may have a skewed perspective because their patients who are diagnosed as needing surgery, but who go on to rehabilitate themselves through non-surgical means, are unlikely to report back to the surgeon.

Even when there is clear disc impingement upon a nerve, non-surgical remedies are possible. Experiments have shown that a healthy nerve root (where the nerve exits the spinal cord) can withstand substantial pressure without pain or paresthesia (tingling or burning). When a nerve root is injured, pressure on it can cause loss of feeling, reduced reflexes and eventually reduced strength and motor reflex. However, when a nerve root has a poor blood supply (ischemia), it becomes very sensitive to pressure. So, a healthy nerve root with a good blood supply can tolerate a fair amount of mechanical abuse. But once it has become irritated, swollen, inflamed or otherwise suffered decreased blood flow, it will be much more easily irritated. Therapy should therefore be aimed at reducing mechanical irritation, reducing inflammation, and improving blood perfusion.

“Conservative treatment” is a term that can be applied to anything from pain pills and bed rest to much more aggressive therapy that involves substantial patient participation. The latter requires more commitment but is likely to give better results. The patient can also learn some useful self-care techniques during treatment. Analgesics, muscle-relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs (or herbal formulas) may also have their place in the therapy.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

The muscular, skeletal, neural, vascular and lymph systems of the body all affect one another. A good treatment plan works toward optimizing all of them. When there is pain, as from nerve impingement, a common protective reaction of the body is to tighten up and stabilize the area. Unfortunately, this tightening can exacerbate the problem by putting more pressure on the damaged structures. Also, chronic spasm of the muscles leads to decreased blood infusion (ischemia) and poor lymph movement. The muscles become poorly nourished, and the tissues are not properly cleansed of cellular waste products. A large component of patient’s pain can be from this muscular dysfunction, rather than from the direct nerve impingement itself.

Tight muscles, especially when their forces are not well balanced, are intimately involved with skeletal joint dysfunction. The skeletal system, after all, is aligned and controlled by the soft tissues around it (with limits set by the bony structures themselves and by the ligaments that surround the joints). When muscular action on one side of the spine is stronger and tighter than the other, it can significantly change the alignment between the vertebrae, and inhibit the natural smooth gliding at the joint surfaces. Besides nerve irritation (remember that squeezed marshmallow), this can accelerate arthritic changes in the joints.

Nerves are responsible not only for sending pain signals back to the brain, but also for sending motor control signals out to the muscles. Therapy should address the neural components of the problem. Neuromuscular reeducation refers to therapy that aims at normalizing the interaction between muscles and their nerve signals.

Many types of non-surgical therapies are available, and each has its strengths. Chiropractic adjustments can restore normal joint function, and thus release tension and inflammation in surrounding soft tissues. Unfortunately, some people do not respond well to this high-velocity approach, and normal muscular function often does not follow. Skilled massage, physical therapy, yoga, stretching, strengthening and other manual therapies can address the muscular components. Functional and postural habits that exacerbate the condition may need to be relearned. Acupuncture works via several pathways: it can release and balance muscle tensions, moderate nerve signals, decrease inflammation and increase local blood flow to the tissues.

The Benefits of Avoiding Surgery

Results from conservative therapy can be dramatic, but it typically takes weeks or months to effect lasting changes, and a combination of techniques may be needed. The reward for this effort is a reduction or elimination of pain, a better functioning body and more information about how to keep it that way, not to mention the avoidance of surgery, anesthesia, and post-surgical rehabilitation. This can save tens of thousands of dollars, and greatly decreases one’s exposure to pharmaceuticals. Even with a course of anti-inflammatory drugs, a patient will be subjected to a much lower pharmaceutical load that when undergoing surgery.

Besides, surgery often fails. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that “Patients considering lumbar spine surgery should be informed that the likelihood of having another spine operation later is substantial.” A study of 24,882 adults who had low back surgery for degenerative spinal problems in the early 1990’s found that about one out of five had another back surgery within 11 years. That’s about double the rate for hip or knee replacement. And one should not assume that the rest were living pain free.

Is Good Medicine Driving High Back Surgery Rates?

A study by the University of Washington’s Center for Cost and Outcomes Research looked at spinal surgeries in the U.S. and confirmed some disturbing trends. In 2001, approximately 122,000 lumbar fusions were performed, representing a 220% increase from 1990. Were those surgeries more successful than in the past? It seems not. Reoperation rates actually increased during the 1990’s, with a cumulative rate of about 12% just three years after the initial surgery.

The Department of Health Services at the University of Washington has noted that there are large variations in back surgery rates across different parts of the country. The Department also found that “The rate of back surgery in the United States was at least 40% higher than in any other country and was more than five times those in England and Scotland. Back surgery rates increased almost linearly with the per capita supply of orthopaedic and neurosurgeons in the country.” That sounds more like supply-side economics than evidence-based medicine.

Meanwhile, the New England Journal of Medicine has published a new study of 283 patients with severe sciatica. The participants were randomly selected to have surgery early on, or to have extended conservative treatment and undergo surgery at a later time, if needed. Only 39% of this second group actually ended up having surgery. After one year, the outcomes were similar for those with early surgery and the conservatively treated group, although those receiving early surgery had somewhat faster pain relief and self-perceived recovery rates.

The decision to have surgery for back pain or sciatica due to degenerative conditions will usually be left to the patient. Trauma resulting in fractures, cancer, and other conditions causing back pain may permit fewer options. But for patients who are willing to participate in their own recovery, conservative treatment holds a lot of promise with very low risk. Surgery, after all, will remain an option. They may need to be more proactive in seeking out treatment. Learning stretches and other exercises from a skilled therapist will give them some control over their recovery. A willingness to try appropriate therapies and actively engage in the treatment process can lead to much greater success than simpler treatments involving only rest and drugs. Those who choose such a treatment plan may well be rewarded with a strong, pain-free body, and new knowledge that can help keep it that way.

Sciatic pain is usually caused by the condition called sciatica. This is a condition that causes the sciatic nerve to become pinched. Usually the people that suffer from sciatica are athletes or older adults. If you have sciatica, there are a number of ways that you can relieve your pain.

One way that you can get relief is by doing various exercises while you are around the house. Spend sometime stretching your sciatic nerve at least 1 hour a night. Before you know it, you pain should start to subside.

If you do not have an hour of time during the day because you work, have to pick up the kids, make dinner, etc, than you can get some type of medication from a doctor. This will not cure your sciatica but it will relieve some of your pain that you are currently having.

The last thing that you can do is try an all natural remedy that has proved to work on a number of individuals that had sciatica. This medicine requires no exercises, no stretches, and it only takes up 8 minutes of your day. This 100% safe and effective treatment plan has great results and it continues to become popular amongst people all over the world.

If you are struggling with sciatic nerve pain, it is important that you receive the proper treatment you deserve. Remember that your condition will only get better if you treat it. The faster you get relief the faster you will successfully treat your sciatica for good.

Sciatic Neuritis or Sciatica is a group of symptoms that include pain. This may be or can be caused by a general compression or an irritation of either one of the nerve roots that arises to sciatic nerve. This type of pain is usually felt in one’s lower back, and/or various parts of one’s leg and food, one’s buttocks. Added to the severe pain that one can experience, one may also fell some numbness, tingling and hard time in moving one’s leg, muscular weakness. This are commonly felt on just a side of your body.

Yes, Sciatica is painful! This can also cause a person to lose his/her mind due to severe pain and numbness that he/she is experiencing. This also enables you to do the things that you are used to doing with ease before. Frustrating and depressing. If you are one of the many people who are now suffering from one, and has been looking for a way to ease the pain that you are now experiencing, then read on.

First, start with a light stretching. You can easily do said stretches while at work, at home (while watching TV), or while preparing your dinner. It will definitely ease the pain and numbness that you are felling by doing so, continue to do your light stretches for weeks, then you will feel that the pain is now eased.

After that, you can start with an exercise treatment. Though, many doctors will steer you away from this since doing that can actually cause you more damage than harm, it’s actually good for you to keep on moving your body. If you stay immobile, just sitting around and doing nothing, the more that your body will struggle with pain. You can dramatically reduce the pain that you are feeling by simply walking your dog.

Sciatica is a type of a medical condition that you must take care of in a day to day basis. The more you try to work on easing your pain, then the faster you will get what you are looking for, and that is easing your pain.

As we all know, sciatica is a condition that affects the entire world, people of all ages, but is becoming more prevalent amongst younger adults. Younger adults ages 30-45 are suffering from sciatica for multiple reasons.

1) They were very active at young age.

2) They were into sports and staying physically fit

3) Hundreds of other reasons

If you fit into this demographic, you understand how frustrating it is to have sciatic nerve pain. It tears down your lower back and into your legs. The pain continues through the entire work day and it never goes away. You might ask yourself. “is the pain ever going to subside”?

Sciatica is treatable if you take the proper steps to eliminate the condition before the pain. This means that the medication that you are currently on should be reduced and other treatment options should be implemented. Treatment options such as basic exercises on a daily basis. This means that you have to take some time to implement the exercises. At least 1 hour a night should be dedicated to treating your sciatica.

If you do not have the time of day to do exercises, you still have a great chance of eliminating your sciatica. Herbal medication or traditional Chinese medicine has increased over the last few years and is now helping hundreds of people reduce their pain along with eliminating sciatica for good.

If you are a young adult that has sciatic nerve pain, it is about time that you decide on a treatment plan. The faster you treat, the faster your pain will be eliminated.

Many people who suffer from sciatica ask themselves, “How long does sciatic nerve pain last?” Most of them hope it will just go away. Luckily for some people sciatica does just that. It will literally leave by itself over time. In other cases sciatica just doesn’t seem to go away that easily. If you are one of the many people who asks yourself this question time and time again then you have come to the right place.

*First - Let’s talk about the few lucky ones who don’t have as much trouble from sciatica. These are the people that have sciatic nerve pain for a few weeks, maybe even a few months and eventually it just goes away.

*Now - Let’s go to the other side of things. There are some people who suffer for years. I have personally met someone who has actually been suffering from sciatica for 14 years. Can you believe that? I don’t know how he put up with it for so long.

So How Long Does Sciatic Nerve Pain last?

Well the only honest answer to this question is that it depends on the person and what caused the sciatica in the first place. Like I said, for some people sciatic nerve pain may only last a few weeks. In others its safe to say sciatic nerve pain can last for years and maybe even a lifetime. If you have been suffering from sciatica for a period exceeding 6 months then it is safe to say that its time to take action. Although this condition can last for years, if you take the right action you can end your suffering before you have to go through the years of pain.

Sciatica is a form of acute pain felt in because of the compression of the sciatic nerve or the associated nerves. It is experienced by all kinds of people and by people of all ages. Sciatica pains are of different types, depending on the origin of the the disease- i use the term for want of a better word. The symptoms are caused by a host of factors, prominently among them being the herniated discs,piriformis muscle compression, trigger points, narrowing of spinal canal, pregnancy and a host of other factors including non uniform habits during working hours including prolonged hours of putting pressure on specific parts of the human body. The origin of the syndrome affects the diagnosis procedures and the time taken to be cured completely.

The most serious case of Sciatica is the one due to the herniation of the disc or lumbar bulging. In this case, the disorder arises due to the breakage of the wall surrounding the disc in our lower part of the body resulting in the breach of the protective walls by the nucleus held inside. As a result, the bulging disc compresses against adjacent nerves which in turn compresses the sciatic nerves or their associated nerves and cause sciatica. In this case, the cure cannot be completely natural, though opinions differ. The characteristics are extreme numbness and tingling leading to muscle weakness. In this case, the treatment has to be one prescribed by a doctor and he will examine the cause, confirm it and take appropriate measures to remove the pain.

Another important cause is the piriformis muscle compression. Here, the sciatic nerve which lies inside, or rather, beneath the piriformis nerve is the affected party. This happens because of the pressure put on it by the piriformis nerve that lies or surrounds it. When this muscle cramps due to overuse or when undue pressure is built upon it, the sciatic nerve beneath it takes the pressure. As a result, sciatica pains are felt by the body. The treatments for this type of cause is, as is obvious, the relaxation of the human body, especially during times of pain. One needs to perform regular special sciatic exercises that help in relieving the pressure on the piriformis nerve. If this treatment or exercise are regularly followed, then it is possible to resolve the pain in some time. It is not so serious and in many cases, the pain goes off naturally with the body developing a corrective mechanism by itself.

Sciatica is the term used to describe a set of symptoms including pain in the lower back, buttock, leg and foot, tingling sensations, pins and needles and difficulty in moving the limb; these symptoms are usually felt on one side of the body. Clinically it is referred to as “Radiculopathy” meaning that a disc in the vertebral column has moved out of place and by protruding, puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. You need to clearly understand that Sciatica is a symptom not a medical diagnosis, of something that causes compression or irritation of the nerve root in the low back.

Treatments vary from person to person because the causes of the nerve compression or irritation maybe due to different reasons. This article takes a look at some of the causes of this problem.

* Spinal disc herniation: the spinal discs separate the vertebrae and provide room for the nerve roots to exit through the spaces. Herniation of the disc happens when the liquid center that the disc is made up of bulges outward; to do this it tears through the out ring of fibers, extruding into the spinal canal and compressing the nerve root of the vertebra. This may result in inflammation and swelling of the tissues further compressing the nerve root and causing the pain.

* Tumors: on the spinal cord or nerve roots result in severe back pain that extends to hips and feet and causes muscle weakness.

* Trauma: car accidents or other types of accidents can cause damage to the nerve roots that could result in “Radiculopathy”.

* Spinal Stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal causes compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, giving rise to sciatic problems. Anything from bone spurs to inflammation can cause the pain.

* Pregnancy: when the uterus presses on the sciatic nerve or compresses the vertebrae due to the added weight, it could give rise to sciatic nerve pain.

* Personal habits: like sitting on a big wallet that is in your back pocket or even sitting on your feet for long periods of time can give rise to sciatic symptoms.

At the first sign of pain or tingling, it is recommended that you seek medical assistance because Sciatica can be cured.

Sciatica occurs as a result of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or one of the five nerve roots that are attached to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is also the longest. It extends from the lower back, splits off and runs down the back of both legs. It is responsible for the feeling and movement of the lower extremities. Sometimes the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated due to lower back injuries, pregnancies, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and may also be self inflicted by being inactive. Sciatica pain is normally felt in the lower back, hips, thighs, and legs. The pain can become so excruciating that home treatment may be necessary.

There are many sciatica home treatment methods available but in order for these home remedies to be effective, you must be willing to start improving your diet, exercise and your overall health and have good ergonomics. Ergonomics is proper bending and lifting. You also need to be aware of the symptoms that occur from sciatica to ensure that you are treating the right thing. Some of these symptoms would include: pain in the lower extremities and buttocks that can be more painful when sitting, numb or weak feeling in the buttocks or legs, shooting pains, continuous pain, and burning or tingling feeling in the legs. This pain can also affect your feet and toes making it difficult and painful to stand up. Here are a few home remedies that may help you relieve the pain.

Water is said to be a very natural way to treat sciatica. Drinking plenty of water can improve your circulation which helps relieve the pressure. Rather than ingesting water, you may want to use it for warm or cold bathes. Alternating from hot to cold also improves circulation.

Another effective sciatica home treatment is called pelvis balance. When you balance your pelvis, it will relieve pressure from all other areas of the body. Balancing your pelvis can be done by lying down on the floor on your stomach. Then you place both hands on each side of your pelvis. Once you have placed your hands in the right position, try to notice if there is more pressure on one side than the other. If you feel more pressure on one side, your pelvis is not balanced correctly.

It is also important to begin daily exercise. Back muscles begin to lose their ability to keep the spine in place. If you start walking daily, your back and stomach muscles are continuously flexing and forcing the spine into place. You need to be aware of the condition of your spine before exercising because more damage can be caused.

There are many other methods used to help treat sciatica but these three methods are the most common for home treatment. Always remember to check with your doctor before beginning any form of self treatment. Having a healthy and active lifestyle will help prevent sciatica from ever occurring.

The electrifying pain comes from your lower back, directed through your sciatic nerve into your feet and back to your lower back again.

It is unbearable isn’t it?

Having sciatica is a curse. You can’t walk for long. You can’t sit long at the same position either. Even laying on the bed could not help easing off the pain because your damaged sciatic muscles keep alarming. If you’re a sciatica patient you should understand what I mean.

Often, sciatica patients are a little misled by the ways of treatment. Just a quick question for yourself. What have you tried over the years to cure sciatica? I mean, to cure sciatica, not the pain.

The most common methods you were taught are massaging therapy, reflexology and acupuncture. These methods are very effective indeed. You can see almost immediate relief after taking these treatment. However, try look a little deeper into these treatment.

Is your sciatica fully cured by any of these treatment? Relief yes, but not getting rid of the pain once and for all. So why is the pain keep bugging you?

There is only one simple reason behind- Your muscle is damaged. It is out of its normal position and constantly pressing on your nerves. That is why you feel intense pain at your leg or hip whenever you move. Even a slight raising of your leg or turning your body just to release muscle stiffness might bring you lots of pain especially when your sciatica condition is at the final stage like me 10 years back.

Look back at the massage, reflexology and acupuncture therapies. All of these treatment are not meant cure sciatica by reconstructing your lower back and leg muscle to its original position.

What they basically did are to relieve your pain, let you to able to walk and stand again with reduced pain after you have attended countless sessions for long term. They do not heal sciatica. In fact, they let you to get used to the way you are injured and after a long period when your body started accepting the pain, you would be able move like a normal person again.

Is curing Sciatica possible?

Yes. It has been proven that Sciatica is able to be fully cured without surgery. Physiotherapy is one of the ways that work but not as effective as the Muscle Balance Therapy. Muscle Balance Therapy is the latest therapy breakthrough that works incredibly well in all kinds of chronic back pain and sciatica cases.

Muscle Balance Therapy is an innovative approach to eliminating every kind of back pain once and for all, starting with a careful yet simple assessment of all the muscles that affect the stability of your hips, pelvis, and spine - from both a strength and a flexibility perspective.

The Muscle Balance Therapy approach uses the results of your assessments to design an individually targeted program of corrective exercises to help take the stress off your muscles, joints, and ligaments so you can achieve a more balanced body and eliminate the cause of your pain.

In a sense, what Muscle Balance Therapy is asking you to do is a very “unbalanced workout” to get your body back into proper balance. Once your muscles are more balanced and you’re feeling better, you will be able to return to your workplace or to your favorite activity with the confidence and security that you need to live a full and productive life.

Up to date, there are more than 200k patients who have back and chronic Sciatica problem managed to cut down 90% of the pain within the first 3 weeks after trying Muscle Balance Therapy exercises at home.

If you have suffered from lower back pain like I have, you have probably heard about Sciatica and the Sciatic nerve. When this nerve is irritated by a bulging disc the pain can be very intense. But what exactly is Sciatica what are the symptoms and the cause of this painful condition?

According to Wikipedia Sciatica is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression and/or irritation of one of five nerve roots that give rise to the sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself.

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When these nerves are “pinched the pain can radiate from your lower back and buttock all the way down your leg to your feet. In my case I had pain travel ling right to my toes. Sometimes my feet felt numb, sometimes there was a burning sensation, sometimes cold. This was accompanied by pain; which believe me can be can be excruciating.

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?There are several causes: herniated disc, spinal stenosis, lifestyle, piriformis, trigger points and pregnancy. I will go into more detail on each of these causes in other articles. The important thing to remember is if your lower back pain is traveling down your leg and this pain persists you need to see your doctor.

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But how do you prevent and or cure lower back pain? How do you lose the pain and get on with your life? Well the answer is to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.?One of the top rated programs is called the Lose The Back Pain System developed by therapists and doctors of the Healthy back Institute. This program has helped thousands by strengthening muscles and eliminating muscles imbalance.

As someone who has suffered with a bad back and who has endured months of physical therapy and an operation, I can tell you there are solutions for your discomfort. To help myself and others cope with an aching back I have created a blog. For more information on how to cure your bad back and get relief from the pain visit http://www.achingbackblues.blogspot.com?on this site your find links to free info, reports and videos. I hope?this helps you with your aching back.