Health

Health Leg Problems

By FRANCESCA MORELLI

Working With Sciatica

The lifetime incidence of sciatica is estimated to be between 13% and 40%. But the majority of cases resolve spontaneously with simple analgesia and stretching muscles exercises.

Working with sciatica is a living nightmare for anyone who needs to push itself to function in the workplace, while enduring the misery of chronic sciatic nerve pain that cause a debilitating set of symptoms affecting every aspects of life. Sharp, shooting pains, burning aches, and sometimes numbness, can make it difficult to sit comfortably or move around.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

“The sciatic nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body and extends from the spine to the feet” says Jonathan Newman Grauer, Associate Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Yale School of Medicine. “Its contributing nerves can often be irritated as they leave the spine and cause pain anywhere along its length— from the back, to the leg, and all of the way down to the foot,” he adds. This irritation is often referred to as sciatica. Regularly, sciatica can be a temporary condition as a result of disc herniation from an accident or injury that may ease itself with time. Prolonged sitting or heavy activities may exacerbate symptoms when they are present. “For the majority, sciatica responds well to self-care measures– states Dr Grauer. The main treatments for this condition are non-invasive.” Local treatments such as heat, massage, and others can feel good at the time. Stretching and exercises with core training can help optimize the body’s response to such conditions. “Even in case of acute sciatica,” declares the specialist. “It is important to remain as physically active as possible. It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you are in pain, but regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat chronic discomfort. Sustained, regular exercise prompts the body to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.” In the rare cases where non-invasive treatment are not successful in addressing sciatica, spinal or injection or surgery may be considered and are generally very successful for such symptoms. The things to watch for which warrant immediate attention include loss of neurological function. In the absence of such findings, it generally comes down to a prospect of “waiting it out” while doing all that can be done to optimize things during its course.

PREVENTION

It is not always possible to prevent sciatica and the condition may recur, but following some suggestions can play a key role in protecting the back. First of all, especially at work, maintain a proper posture when sit choosing a seat with good lower back support, arm rest and a swivel base. Also consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back to maintain its normal curve and keep the knees and hips level. When working at a computer, adjust the chair so that the feet are flat on the floor and the arms rest on the desk or the chair’s arms, with the elbows bent at right angle. It is mandatory to take frequent breaks, even if it’s just to walk around the office. “Another important thing is to use good body mechanics,” says Dr. Grauer. “I mean being conscious of how to stand or how to lift heavy objects. If you stand for long periods, rest one foot on a stool or small box from time to time and while you stand, hold reading material at eye level instead of bending forward. And last but not least look forward to find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward or if you are fatigued.”•

Relevant Keywords

• The main treatments for this condition are non-invasive. • It is important to remain as physically active as possible. • Maintain a proper posture when sit. • It is mandatory to take frequent breaks during the work day.