Sciatica is a common condition, with some studies showing that as many as 40% of adults will experience it in their lifetimes. If youâre currently dealing with sciatic nerve pain, itâs smart to take steps that help you get through your daily activities as comfortably as possible. Here are some ways to find relief at home in between visits to your provider of physical therapy in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Home Comfort Strategies
While proper medical diagnosis and treatment from an experienced physical therapist are strong lines of defense in combatting sciatica, there are also some strategies to put in place at home to lessen your pain. In fact, for many sufferers, it is a combination of professional help and self-care that gets the best results.
Direct involvement in your treatment plan is a key part of holistically approaching your recovery. Often there is a notable psychological benefit in providing your own care with techniques you can do at home. For many people, active participation in their journey to wellness increases motivation and hastens their healing progress.
Professional Guidance
Of course, before attempting any home remedies, it is always wise to consult with the professionals who are involved in your overall treatment plan. Well ahead of trying any new medications, exercises, or alternative therapies, consult with experts who are well-versed in sciatica care and your own individual situation to ensure the best results. Before undertaking home care relief treatments, talk with your doctor and your specialist in physical therapy in Yukon or a town near you to be sure what you try is safe, appropriate, and effective.
DIY Relief Techniques
Once you have the go-ahead from your healthcare professionals, experiment with one or more do-it-yourself relief treatments. These might include:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- Applying ice or heat packs to reduce sciatic swelling and soothe aches
- Exercising and stretching in specific postures that improve mobility and work to release trapped nerves
Deploying one or more of these options when your sciatica is flaring up often brings relief ahead of your next physical therapy session.
Learn Proper Movements
One note about performing stretches or exercises on your own is that you should try them out first in your physical therapistâs office. That way youâre sure you do them properly and donât cause further issues and pain by using improper postures or techniques. Although you might experience a bit of discomfort when you perform movements that are new to you, outright pain is a big red flag and you should discontinue any painful activities immediately.
Now that you understand more about finding sciatica relief at home, itâs time to get a safe and helpful DIY care plan underway. If you arenât already working with a skilled therapist, hop online and type âphysical therapist near meâ in your search bar before going any further. Once you connect with a qualified professional, the two of you can collaborate on designing the best home care techniques to ease your pain and get you back into comfortable day-to-day activities.
