If you suffer from sciatic nerve inflammation, or sciatica, you know that the severe pain can be disabling. While sciatica is generally a temporary condition which resolves on its own after a couple weeks, it can sometimes take months to resolve. In addition to this, certain medical conditions can predispose you to repeated attacks of sciatica, which may prevent you from working, driving, sleeping well or even getting out of a chair. Here are three medical conditions that can irritate your sciatic nerve:
Allergies
Allergy sufferers may be at a greater risk for developing sciatica than those who don't have allergies. When exposed to allergens, an immune response causes the body to release histamines and pro-inflammatory substances known as cytokines.
When this occurs, body-wide inflammatory responses take place, which can cause inflammation of the muscles, joints and nerves, including the sciatic nerve. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine can help inhibit histamine release and possibly slow systemic inflammation. However, talk to your doctor to determine if these medications are the best choices for your allergies.
Obesity
Obesity is another condition that can worsen sciatica. Excess weight can place pressure on your sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation. Obesity can also cause inflammatory responses, much in the way allergies can, raising the risk for muscle and nerve inflammation.
If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about how you can incorporate healthy dietary changes into your daily meal plans to help you gradually lose weight. Even modest weight losses can help diminish inflammation, while relieving pressure on your sciatic nerve.
Degenerative Joint Conditions
Degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis can also contribute to sciatic nerve inflammation. The conditions cause your joints to swell and impinge on your sciatic nerve.
If you have arthritic conditions or osteoporosis, talk to your health care provider about taking anti-inflammatory medications, which will help diminish swelling and pain. The combination of sciatica and degenerative conditions of the spine and joints can lead to significant disability and will need prompt evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk for permanent mobility problems.
If you have trouble rising from a seated position because of sciatica or other types of back pain, consider visiting a retailer specialising in lift chairs, such as Ibis Furniture. There, you can try out different models to determine which ones are most comfortable for your size and support needs. Lift chairs come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colours and designs, and fit in with just about any decor.
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