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7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

The last thing you want is another extended bout of sciatica. Put these 7 tips to use to cut down on and lessen the severity of flare-ups (in order of easiest to do): 1. Take meds (for fast relief). If you are suffering a sciatica flare-up, you want immediate relief. These meds can help: Acetaminophen […]

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

/in Chronic Pain /by

Tennis elbow or elbow tendonitis is an overuse injury caused by repetitive activities, such as: sports like tennis and racquetball exercising and weightlifting hands-on jobs such as carpentry and office jobs that involve typing and talking on the phone yardwork such as raking and shoveling, and knitting The main symptom is pain in the bony […]

7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

/in Chronic Pain, Sciatica /by

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

/in Chronic Pain /by

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7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

/in Chronic Pain, Sciatica /by

The last thing you want is another extended bout of sciatica.

Put these 7 tips to use to cut down on and lessen the severity of flare-ups (in order of easiest to do):

1. Take meds (for fast relief).

If you are suffering a sciatica flare-up, you want immediate relief. These meds can help:

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs: Pain relievers such as Tylenol and Naproxen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen and aspirin can provide immediate, short-term relief.
Muscle relaxers: When the underlying cause of your sciatica is muscle spasms, muscle relaxers such as carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine can provide relief.
Tricyclic antidepressants: Doctors prescribe the anti-depressants amitriptyline and nortriptyline to reduce nerve pain. They are prescribed at lower doses than when used for depression.
Steroids: The oral steroid prednisone provides pain relief by reducing inflammation.

*Please note that all of the above medications have certain side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking them to relieve sciatica.

2. Apply heat and cold.

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes can relieve pain quickly by reducing inflammation.

A heat compress or pack can also relieve pain by increasing circulation and loosening up tight muscles.

3. Don’t sit too much.

Putting pressure on your sciatic nerve for extended periods can lead to sciatic pain. Whether sitting at your desk at work, in a car or plane on a trip, or at a restaurant chatting up friends, remember to get up and walk around for a few minutes now and then.

Also, remember to take your wallet and other objects out of your back pockets when you sit down. They add pressure to the sciatic nerve.

4. Improve your posture.

Poor posture can make sciatic pain worse. When standing and sitting, make sure your back is straight, and your shoulders are back. The idea is to feel tall when standing or sitting.

5. Stretch.

The sciatic nerve runs through your hips, buttocks, and hamstrings. Tight ligaments and muscles in these areas can contribute to sciatic pain.

Stretching these areas keeps the muscles and ligaments loose, which can stop and lessen the pain.

6. Diet and exercise.

Carrying around excess body weight puts added pressure on your sciatic nerve. Dieting can help you shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

A non-active lifestyle with a lot of sitting contributes to sciatica. In contrast, an active lifestyle with a lot of movement lessens or even eliminates the pain.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete, but incorporating some safe exercise, sports, or outdoor activities into your daily routine can make a big difference.

7. Cut down on stress.

When you are stressed out, your brain supplies less oxygen to your nerves, including the sciatic nerve. Oxygen-starved sciatic nerves are more likely to produce pain.

Visit the Texas Pain Management Specialists

At Texas Pain Physicians, our board-certified pain management doctors know how to manage sciatica. Let us review your unique health situation and develop a pain relief plan that works for you.

Schedule an appointment online today, or give us a call at (972) 636-5727.

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

/in Chronic Pain /by

Tennis elbow or elbow tendonitis is an overuse injury caused by repetitive activities, such as:

sports like tennis and racquetball
exercising and weightlifting
hands-on jobs such as carpentry and office jobs that involve typing and talking on the phone
yardwork such as raking and shoveling, and knitting

The main symptom is pain in the bony knob outside your elbow and pain in the upper and lower or forearm. You feel this pain when you use your hands for things like gripping objects and typing.

Here are five easy ways to get some pain relief:

1. Change your routine.

For athletes, this could mean changing up the exercise and or weightlifting routine. Cycle different exercises so that you don’t do the same movement over and over for months.

If a job is causing your tennis elbow, think about how you can change your work area, tools, and habits.

For carpenters, this could mean hiring a helper, using more power tools that don’t require as much hand manipulation, or taking an extra day of rest per week.

For office workers, this could mean trading work tasks and rearranging your work area so that it’s more ergonomic.

2. Get plenty of rest.

Sometimes less is more.

If you are an athlete or play sports often, resting your injured arm is great medicine. Take at least a few days off and allow your elbow tendons to start healing.

Taking time off from work may be harder. For carpenters and other skilled trade workers, this might mean hiring a helper to take some of the physical labor off your plate or taking an extra day off per week.

For paid employees, if you visit your doctor and are diagnosed with elbow tendonitis related to work, you should be able to take time off that doesn’t count against your allotted vacation time.

If you can’t take time off, try to rest your injured arm on your off days.

3. Apply a cold compress.

When your tennis elbow starts, apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth or cold compress as soon as possible for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Cold compresses reduce inflammation.

4. Elevate your arm.

Raising and resting your elbow at a level above your heart several times a day will reduce inflammation.

5. Wear a brace.

It’s often not practical to miss practices if you are a full-time athlete or miss workdays when you are a full-time employee. But you can wear a counterforce brace as much as possible.

These special braces reduce the pressure on your elbow muscles and tendons. You can find these online, at pharmacy stores, and in grocery stores in the pharmacy sections.

Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston, Dallas, and Throughout Texas

At Texas Pain Physicians, our number one priority is to improve the quality of life of our patients. We have helped thousands of people get back to what they need and love to do.

We offer quick access to accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Call us today at (972) 636-5727 to book an appointment.

Our Locations

PEARLAND - HOUSTON
2243 Park Ave,
Pearland, TX 77581

(281) 616-3314
|
(972) 666-1504

IRVING
7200 N. State Highway 161, Ste. 200
Irving, TX 75039

(972) 559-3501
|
(972) 559-3529

MESQUITE
910 N Galloway Ave, Ste 302
Mesquite, TX 75149

(972) 301-8897
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(972) 997-1299

NORTH DALLAS
10 Medical Pkwy Plaza 3 Suite 106
Farmers Branch, TX 75234

(972) 636-5727
|
(972) 666-1504

PLANO
5068 W. Plano Parkway ste 170
Plano, Texas 75093.

(972) 636-5727
|
(972) 666-1504

ROCKWALL
3013 Ridge Road, Ste. 101
Rockwall, TX 75032

(972) 636-5727
|
(469) 264-5192

STONE OAK - SAN ANTONIO
1202 E Sonterra Blvd, Ste 101
San Antonio, TX 78258

(210) 546-1410
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(210) 546-1419

SOUTHLAKE
241 W. Southlake Blvd., Ste 140
Southlake, TX 76092

(972) 301-8896
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(972) 997-1298

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
8221 Mid Cities Blvd, Ste 100
North Richland Hills, TX 76182

(214) 666-8077
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(469) 640-6400

WAXAHACHIE
600 Ferris Ave
Waxahachie, TX 75165

(972) 497-2655
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(214) 238-5242

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

7 Ways to Stop and Shorten Sciatica Flare Ups

1. Take meds (for fast relief).

2. Apply heat and cold.

3. Don’t sit too much.

4. Improve your posture.

5. Stretch.

6. Diet and exercise.

7. Cut down on stress.

Visit the Texas Pain Management Specialists

5 Ways to Get Rid of Tennis Elbow Pain

1. Change your routine.

2. Get plenty of rest.

3. Apply a cold compress.

5. Wear a brace.

Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston, Dallas, and Throughout Texas

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