It is easy to pop an anti-inflammatory pain killer when faced with lower back problems. However, it is important to note that these pills only offer temporary relief, as they help alleviate symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of your sciatic pain. When you are suffering from sciatica, developing habits to keep your back muscles in good health is an important step in providing long-term relief.

The sciatica nerve runs through certain muscles in the lower back and legs. When these muscles are tight, the nerve is compressed or pinched, causing the pain that you feel. One effective method of alleviating sciatica pain is to exercise daily. Stretching exercises will help relieve sciatic pain target these muscles, which helps them loosen up. However, there are 2 reasons to consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner, such as a doctor or a chiropractor, regarding physical exercise. The first is to rule out any other serious problems that may be causing your symptoms. The second is to tailor a stretching or exercise routine that will address the specific cause of your sciatic pain, such as a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It is important to avoid high impact exercises, or exercises that involve a lot of twisting, which may cause unnecessary stress to the spine and lower back.

Aside from exercise, there are many ways to minimize the everyday stress on your lower back, which should help in reducing the frequency of sciatica flare-ups. This includes maintaining good posture, whether you are sitting, standing or lying down. In order to maintain the proper posture while sitting, make sure your lower back is supported by a lumber pillow or an ergonomic chair. Being able to lightly rest your back on the chair should help. Avoid slouching, sitting up too straight, or leaning too far back. Make sure your head is not leaning too far forward in order to see what you're working on. Adjust the placement of your computer monitor to ensure that your work is visible straight on, not angled, too high or too low. You should also consider a foot rest to keep your knees level to, or a little higher up, than your hips. Also, take frequent breaks€"you should not be sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Stand up every 30 to 60 minutes to walk around or stretch a little. If you need to stand for a while, then periodically shift your weight from one foot to the other. It is better to keep the resting foot elevated on the curb or on a small box, if possible.

Try to avoid lying on your stomach as you sleep. This position strains the muscles, ligaments and discs on your lower back. If you sleep in this position, then consider putting a small pillow under your hips to keep your spine aligned. Investing in a proper lumbar pillow, set on the curve of your back, will also go a long way.

When sciatica problems become a part of your life, developing these habits to keep your back muscles and spine in good health is necessary for real, lasting relief.