Sciatica is a pain
that travels below the knee and may even reach as far as the foot. Symptoms may
also include numbness and weakness of the lower leg muscles. Sciatica is caused
by irritation of the main nerve (sciatic nerve) which passes from the lower spine.
This irritation often occurs when the herniated disc presses against the nerves
which go to make up the sciatic nerve. Slipped discs can be the trigger or sometimes
tumors, enlarged vertabrae or even infections.
Sciatica: Does TENS work?
Sciatica treatments may involve osteopathy oral pain killing drugs, TENS,
or injections of anti-inflammatory medication. TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is
a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain relief. It is ideal for the treatment
of sciatica. Pads are placed on or near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses
that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses
suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher
levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called Endorphins and Encephalins.
In many cases, stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate pain.
Relief may continue for several hours after the unit has been switched
off.