How to relieve sciatic pain

Muscle tension or incorrect movements can irritate the sciatic nerve in the back. What acutely helps, with which exercises you can prevent

Quickly carry the water tank into the apartment. But suddenly... When bending down, severe pain pulls from the back over the buttocks to the rear thigh and foot. "Sciatica pain is unbearable," says Professor Andrea Meurer.

They arise when pressure is exerted on the sciatic nerve. This is composed of different nerve fibers that emerge in the lower lumbar region of the spine, and you can learn here Sciatica SOS.

Several causes possible

The causes can be very different, explains the president of the Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery. Often it is muscle tension in the buttocks area in people who sit a lot. The nerve comes under pressure and sends pain signals.

An incorrect movement, for example when lifting a water box, can also trigger the problems - up to a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve is then pinched.

What helps acute?

Often the hip muscle (piriformis), which lies directly under the large gluteus muscle, is tense. "In about 20 percent of all people, the sciatic nerve even runs directly through this muscle," explains physiotherapist Michael Preibsch. Those affected should try to stretch it with targeted exercises. The sciatic nerve is relieved, says the deputy chairman of the German Association for Physiotherapy.

Many patients also find warmth beneficial. You can try to loosen the hardened muscle with heat plasters from the pharmacy or a heated cherry stone sachet. "Or you can go to the sauna," advises orthopedic surgeon Meurer.

The so-called step posture often relieves acute pain. The patient lies on the floor and places the lower legs on a chair at right angles to the thighs. It would be wrong to simply lie down in bed for a long time to cure the symptoms, explains Meurer. Moderate movements are quite helpful to relax the muscles again.

When is it an emergency?

If, in addition to the pain, there are also numbness in the leg, on the inside of the thigh or in the pubic area, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This also applies to paralysis of the leg muscles or sudden incontinence.

"That would be an absolute emergency, as a herniated disc can be the cause," warns expert Andrea Meurer. A visit to the doctor is also advisable if the pain patient has recently had an accident, is taking cortisone drugs or is suffering from osteoporosis.

Do I need surgery?

Even if it is a herniated disc, surgical intervention is not necessary. The problem can also heal on its own if the tissue that has fallen retracts into the intervertebral disc space over time, explains Meurer.

Physiotherapists can support this process with certain techniques. According to Preibsch, the treatment is always adapted to the latest examination results and discussed with the treating doctor.

On the other hand, surgery must be carried out immediately if numbness occurs in the pubic area or incontinence. Otherwise there is a risk that the sciatic nerve will be permanently damaged.

Do medications help?

In the acute phase, patients can use pain relievers for a day or two, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the symptoms are very severe, the doctor may prescribe higher-dose opiates.

"If these have to be used, diagnostics using magnetic resonance tomography and an X-ray should also be carried out," advises Meurer. This allows the doctor to assess changes in the intervertebral discs and the condition of the vertebrae.

What does physiotherapy bring?

If sciatica symptoms occur again and again, a physiotherapist can use manual techniques to relieve tension and restricted movement. He also shows affected people exercises to strengthen their back and abdominal muscles. Well trained, the muscles act like a corset that supports and stabilizes the spine.

According to Preibsch, however, the workplace of the person concerned is also important: "When someone sits longer, posture is extremely important. You have to adapt the workplace to your body and not the other way around to prevent it."

Md Rakibul Islam is the Co-founder of BlenderFair, He mainly providing health online information and resources in a range of business areas. Her company's guides, tools and templates assist organizations engage and develop people.