Sciatica is the name given to any sort of pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from the back of your pelvis, through your buttocks, and all the way down both legs, ending at your feet. The pain of sciatica is usually felt in the buttocks and legs. Most people find it goes away naturally within a few weeks, although some cases can last for a year or more. When to seek medical advice When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause: The pain can range from being mild to very painful, and may be made worse by sneezing, coughing or sitting for a long period of time. While people with sciatica can also have general back pain, the pain associated with sciatica usually affects the buttocks and legs much more than the back. See your GP if your symptoms are severe, persistent or getting worse over time. Your GP can usually confirm a diagnosis of sciatica based on your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Sometimes they may refer you to a specialist doctor or a physiotherapist for further help. A simple test, known as the passive straight leg raise test, can also help your GP identify whether you have sciatica. This test involves lying flat on your back with your legs straight, and lifting one leg at a time. If lifting one of your legs causes pain or makes your symptoms worse, this usually suggests sciatica. You should immediately call 999 for an ambulance if you experience all of the following: Although it's rare, these symptoms can be a sign of a serious condition called cauda equina syndrome. In the vast majority of cases sciatica is caused by a slipped disc. A slipped disc occurs when one of the discs that sit between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae) is damaged and presses on the nerves. It's not always clear what causes the damage, although as you get older your discs become less flexible and more likely to rupture. Less common causes include:
Most cases of sciatica pass in around six weeks without the need for treatment. A combination of things you can do at home – such as taking anti-inflammatory painkillers for any back pain, staying active and exercising, and using hot or cold packs – may help reduce the symptoms until the condition improves. Further treatment may be needed in some cases, such as: In rare cases surgery may be needed to correct the problem in your spine. Read more about treating sciatica. You can minimise your risk of a further episode of sciatica by: While sleeping, your mattress should be firm enough to support your body while supporting the weight of your shoulders and buttocks, keeping your spine straight. If your mattress is too soft, place a firm board under the mattress. Support your head with a pillow, but make sure your neck isn't forced up at a steep angle. How to warm up before exercise Page last reviewed: 01/09/2016 Next review due: 01/09/2019
What should I look for when shopping for a mattress? The only way to determine which mattress is best for you is simply to try some and compare. Most importantly, your new mattress should be comfortable. Lie down on a number of different mattresses and determine which ones feel the most comfortable. The next thing to consider is support. Do the mattresses support critical areas like your back and midsection? The next thing to consider is size: give yourself ample room to stretch out and move, especially if you sleep with a partner. And finally, consider the price. Look for a great value, not just the cheapest price. A mattress's value is determined by its price coupled with its warranty. Pick a mattress that's comfortable, supports you well and is roomy enough to sleep comfortably, doesn't bust your budget and is warranted to last for at least 10 years. How much can I expect a good sleep set to cost? Sleep sets can range from as low as $300 to upwards of $5,000 depending on the brand, type and size of set you get.
Generally, you can expect a good quality, queen size set to retail for around $1,000-$1,500. Remember, this is an investment in your daily health and wellbeing. Averaged over the lifetime of the mattress, your looking at pennies a day. Not a lot when you think about how much you spend on a cup of coffee every day! Is there anything I can do to make my new sleep set last longer? There are a number of things you can do to extend the life of a sleep set. First, make sure the foundation or box spring is being properly supported by your frame; this will help keep your foundation from bowing or bending, which could affect how your mattress supports your body. Next, keep your mattress clean by using a quality, hypo-allergenic mattress pad. This helps keep your mattress dry, dust-free and helps deter mites and other allergens from embedding in the mattress cover. Vacuum your mattress frequently to remove dust and allergens. And finally, rotate and/or flip your mattress from time to time to help alleviate sagging and the potential occurrence of body impressions.
How long should my new sleep set last? There are a number of factors that make this a hard question to answer directly, including the number of people using the sleep set, how many hours they sleep a night, the users' sleeping styles, the users' body types and sizes, the quality of the sleep set and the materials that are used in it. Generally, many experts suggest replacing a routinely used sleep set of average quality every 8 to 10 years with new, quality bedding in order to get the best comfort and support needed for a good night's sleep. A better crafted mattress with a warranty of up to 20 years will not need to be replaced as frequently. Is there a difference between a box spring and a foundation? Do I need to replace my box spring/foundation at the same time?A box spring is a full coil unit that is designed to work directly with the mattress to enhance support. A foundation is a similar unit crafted without coils. In either case, when you purchase a new mattress you should also buy the new box spring or foundation that it is designed to work with, to insure the best support and longevity from your new sleep set.
What size mattress do I need?Your mattress should give you enough room to sleep comfortably without your arms and legs hanging off the bed. If you sleep with a partner, you each need enough space to sleep and move comfortably, without being forced against each other. No matter how romantic that may seem, being in contact with your partner when sleeping can cause you to be roused or awakened every time they move or adjust position and vice versa... hardly conducive to getting a good night's sleep. Here are some notes regarding different size mattresses: What types of comfort levels are there? Englander Sleep Sets are available in a wide range of comfort levels, from extra firm to ultra plush pillow tops. Does a mattress have to be firm to be offer support? A mattress's support is determined by it's coil system or density of the foam used in its core. Each type supports your body differently and since everyone's body is different, some people may find a firmer mattress more 'supportive' and comfortable while others don't.
The best thing to do is to lie down on a number of different mattresses and determine how each one feels. What are comfort layers? Comfort layers are padding materials placed on top of the innerspring or foam core that provide cushioning and extra comfort. The number of layers and types of materials vary from model to model. They can be made of foam, cotton, wool or synthetic materials which are then wrapped by and quilted to a durable cover. Comfort layers can vary from 'zone to zone' on a particular mattress to help conform to different areas of the body. What does the manufacturer's warranty mean and who should I call with a warranty concern? When we warranty a sleep set, it's our pledge to you that if anything goes wrong with the materials or workmanship of your new sleep set from right after you buy it up to a period of up to 20 years, we will repair or replace the mattress at our discretion. This pledge applies to normal use and does not apply if the sleep set is abused or misused.