There is one thing worse than deliberating back pain; when it is coupled with leg pain. This can be enough to stop you completing normal activities and can even leave you lying n bed.
It is also surprisingly common. Statistics estimate 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point during their life.
There are many reasons why you may develop back and leg pain. In many cases it is connected with a mechanical injury. You’ve jumped and landed funny or overexerted yourself.
The result is torn or sprained ligaments, tendons and muscles.
It is also possible that you have experienced a blood clot or simply have bad circulation.
But there is one cause that is more common than all the others; Sciatica.
If you’ve ever experienced sciatica you’ll know it is a pin that starts in your lower back and then radiates down one or both of your legs. It is normal for it to affect just one leg.
The cause of sciatica is usually a herniated disc or a compression of the nerve. This can happen when you’ve lifted something incorrectly or too heavy.
A herniated disc is simply one where the inside material is starting to come out. It is possible for the internal jelly to be reabsorbed into the disc and for it to heal over time. However in some cases surgery may be necessary.
The real issue is while the disc is herniated your body will react to the injury by creating inflammation in the area of the disc. This will protect it and allow it to heal.
But, in the process it will also place pressure on other components of your body; specifically the sciatic nerve.
This is the main nerve in your body and the pain will radiate through your leg. It may even feel like it has gone numb.
Dealing With Sciatica
If you have sciatica you’ll find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. It will also be difficult to stand and move around. In fact you’ll struggle to achieve your normal duties without some strong painkillers.
Although painkillers will help to alleviate the pain they will not solve the issue.
The biggest and best healer is time. But, to help your body you can invest in one of the top 10 best massage chairs for 2018. Massage will alleviate the soreness in the surrounding muscles and reduce the inflammation.
This will reduce the pressure on your sciatic nerve and relieve or even remove the pain.
The reason a massage chair is better than a masseuse is that you can keep it at home and move into the position that best suits your pain as often as you like.
Once you’ve suffered from sciatica you’ll appreciate the importance of exercising to strengthen your back. But, it is important that you take it one step at a time. When your disc is healing it is very easy to overdo it and damage the disc again.
If the pain hasn’t reduced within a couple of weeks you’ll have to seek professional help.
