Sciatica can strike any one at any time, young or old, active or sedentry.  It is a painful condition that can come and go, so for most sufferers, getting the right sciatica treatment is of utmost importance.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is the main nerve in the legs, it runs rights from the base of the spine, down the back of the thigh along to the knee where it then branches out. Sciatica is caused when there is compression on the nerve where it leaves the spine. This can be caused by many different things, but is commonly caused by a slipped disc, although in older people it can be caused by osteoparosis causing the bones to change shape, it is also possible to aggravate the sciatic nerve just by sitting awkwardly.

The frequency, length and severity of attackes vaires form person to person. Some people will just get the occaisional sharp twinge, while others whill have waves of pain that are almost unbearable. The pain travels down the leg and ususally only affects one leg. The pain will generally start in the lower back or buttock and make its way down the leg from there.

It is a common misconception that sciatica is best treated using medication, in fact gentle exercise and stretching can do more for sciatica than any medication. While it may not be possible to do this in the initial stages of a flare-up, gentle exercise and stretching should be carried out as soon as is possible in order to alleviate the pain. If possible a good routine should be maintained to help prevent further attacks. Always be sure to discuss taking any type of painkillers or anti-inflammatorys as a form of sciatica treatment with your GP.