The general opinion is that sciatica is caused by conditions that lead to sciatic nerve compression. This can happen for certain alterations in the spinal discs due to injury or degeneration or the natural aging process that leads to narrowing of the spinal cord. The opinion is correct of course. However, there are conditions that can lead to sciatica even if not related to spinal discs. Most of these conditions are caused by poor posture and lack of exercise. Treating yourself is a dangerous thing in any condition and should not be attempted.

The only aspect of the condition that you should try. Sciatica is a symptom and not a disease, and treatment for yourself of sciatica is possible in cases where it is caused due to compression of the spinal discs. Sciatica is primarily caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve roots. The sciatic nerve has five roots that leave the lower spine. In many cases the joints and lower back muscles tense that irritate the nerve and cause pain. Stretching exercises such joints and muscles can go a long way in relieving stress. The piriformis muscle, located beneath the gluteal muscles that form the buttock and move the thigh, are probably the most common cause behind what is known as pseudo sciatica – sciatic pain caused by conditions not related to the discs. The piriformis muscles are contracted with spasms and strangles the sciatic nerve under the muscle, causing a condition known medically as piriformis syndrome.

The sacroiliac joint, the joint between the sacrum (a wedge-shaped bone that is five fused vertebrae that form the rear part of the pelvis.) And the ilium (the uppermost and widest of the three bones that make the hips) develops distortions due to excessive sitting in a chair, sit on the portfolio or sleep in a fetal position. The condition is aggravated due to lack of stretching exercises related to these areas with the results of spinal conditions and soft tissue causing sciatica. Regular exercise, proper positions, and a healthy lifestyle are good preventive measures can effectively prevent a situation where you might need treatment of the sciatic nerve. However, once you have been diagnosed with disc-related sciatica, self treatment is of little help and the condition requires expert guidance even to identify the exercises that are effective and safe. General or pseudo sciatica sciatica, however, can deal effectively with stretching exercises that can be done at home. Obviously, in some cases an initial direction should be required. The distortions in the pelvis can be corrected and exercises to improve postural defects. There is no cure for sciatica and causes of sciatica should be considered individually. The disk-related sciatica, requires consultation with experts or conventional specialties such as chiropractic, yoga, acupuncture, herbal therapy and exercise. A word of caution must be added here. Although some cases of sciatica can be treated at home, it is recommended that patients consult a professional and avoid self-treatment to prevent the condition becomes worse. Engineer by profession but with a great interest in health and alternative medicine. I believe that natural remedies and alternative therapies have their place in modern medicine. Public one with these issues because I am sure that an informed person is potentially a more happy and healthy.