Sciatica is now regarded as one of the most common reasons for absenteeism from work. Unfortunately, because of the difficulty in diagnosing this ailment, it is also viewed with certain scepticism upon your announcing you are a sufferer. To be honest, it is probably the easiest way to bunk off work or other duties, however, if you are a sufferer it can be a nightmare, a painful one at that.

Let's start with a simple breakdown of this ailment. Sciatica is a condition of the spinal column where some object is pressing on the spinal nerve; in turn this creates various levels of pain within the lower back and buttock regions. More severe cases can have symptoms and pain progressing steadily down the legs, on occasions as far as the feet. Stated like this it doesn't possibly sound too bad, however if anyone has ever had dental nerve trouble, then you can begin to understand the levels of pain that can occur.

Sciatica is not a medical condition by itself, but rather is caused as a by- product of something else. For example if you have a problem with a slipped disc, then this can cause sciatica with the disc resting on the nerve. In severe cases such as slipped discs, there are not a lot of home treatments available, and professional medical care is normally the only option.

However, sciatica treatments are readily available for many of the other causes of this affliction. The most general one is purely and simply rest. Don't do anything at all strenuous and observe the protocols of sitting and standing, and getting up and down in a regimented movement. Another which I have found particularly useful over the years is lying on the floor with just a cushion for neck support. Simple but it works, and in all fairness as soon as I feel a twinge in my back, then I revert to this and it works. I must admit I have tried putting a flat board under my mattress, but to be fair it didn't do anything whatsoever for me.

Another example of possible relief is heat treatments. Simple creams and lotions can be applied to the troublesome areas, and in a lot of cases this can be enough. Another is a corset or back support similar to a wrestler's belt. Whilst they can be effective, in my experience the pain tends to return upon the cessation of wearing these and to be truthful, I only found these hide the problem rather than cure it. Acupuncture is another method people are using to overcome sciatica, having never tried it, phobia of needles, I can't comment on it.

All in all, there are various methods available, but to be realistic they are nearly all short term fixes. It seems that once sciatica begins, your methods of quick cures commence, turning into a vicious circle, albeit an expensive one at times. To prevent this, and I use this myself, you can formulate an exercise regime, worthwhile looking into for non sufferers too (you never know). Anyhow, if you would like further information on sciatica and how you can overcome it, I've put together a website with further information. Please feel free to take a look.