Sciatica originates in the lower back, but the pain is typically felt in the buttock and leg. Sciatica pain is caused by compression of one of the nerve roots or the sciatic nerve. There are many possible underlying causes including herniated disc and piriformis syndrome. In most cases, stretching and exercise can relieve sciatica pain and help prevent future flare-ups. Ice wraps reduce the inflammation and pain involved in sciatica, giving you immediate relief and making you comfortable enough to perform your exercises.

Sciatica Symptoms

The sciatic nerve is made up of five nerve bundles. Symptoms vary depending on which nerve root is compressed. Sciatica can, but does not always, cause low back pain. The pain radiates down the buttock and back of the leg with the leg pain being more severe than the back pain. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body. Symptoms can include:

• Constant pain in one side of the buttock or leg
• Pain that starts in the lower back and continues down the buttock, back of the leg, and into the foot
• Pain is worse when sitting or standing and improves when lying down or walking
• Pain is sharp or searing
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Numbness, prickling, burning, or "pins and needles" in the leg or foot
• Shooting pain in one leg

Sciatica involving loss of bowel or bladder control can be a sign of cauda equina syndrome which is a medical emergency.

Sciatica Relief

The severity of sciatica can range from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. In most cases, sciatica responds well to self-care including cold therapy, stretching and gentle exercise. Although your first instinct may be to rest, inactivity can actually make sciatica worse and delay relief.

Ice wraps can give you immediate relief from sciatica pain. Icing brings down the inflammation, numbs the area, and slows the nerve impulses so the muscle spasms stop. You can use ice wraps alone or in combination with other treatments.

When sciatica is the result of an injury such as muscle strain, icing helps reduce the tissue damage and facilitates healing.

Stretching and exercise are almost always recommended for sciatica. Stretching can provide immediate relief from sciatica pain, and has long-term benefits as a preventative measure. Exercise is used to build up strength and maintain flexibility to prevent sciatica.

You can use I.C.E. DOWN ice wraps before, during, or after your exercises to minimize inflammation and to make you comfortable enough to perform your exercises.

To learn more about I.C.E. DOWN for sciatica, or to place and order, please visit our online store today.