How to relieve sciatica pain when using public transport

Sciatica pain can be difficult to live with at the best of times. However, it can make long journeys a very difficult experience. If you are travelling in the car, then you have the option of pulling over when you need to take a break, but this option is removed if you are having to make a journey by public transport.
As such, many people who experience sciatica pain will try and avoid public transport where possible, but this can mean that they miss out on many opportunities to travel and explore. Therefore, our experts have put together a short guide on how you relieve and effectively manage sciatica pain when using public transport, giving you back that freedom.
1. Do your normal leg exercises before travelling
Most people who experience pain caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve have a range of leg exercises which can help to relieve this. It is worth doing these exercises just before travelling to help stretch the piriformis muscle, which reduces the pressure it puts on the sciatic nerve, thus reducing the pain felt. If you have not considered using leg exercises as a method of relief before, then this is something well worth investigating, as many patients find it extremely beneficial.
2. Careful use pain relief medication
While it may not deal with the cause of the pain, taking painkillers is part of the tool kit to effectively manage any pain you are in, especially if you are in a position where you do not have much room to move. Taking your medication at the right time is important. In this instance maybe try to time it just before travelling. If you are going through a particular sever attach then using pain medication in the short term can be an important part of your recovery. Paracetamol has been shown to be ineffective for sciatic pain. There are specific nerve targeting pain medications such as Gabapentin and Pregabalin. These need to be prescribed by your Doctor and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
3. Sit in the disabled seats
The vast majority of public transport options offer disabled seats, which give the people using them more room, as well as being located close to doors, so passengers don’t have to walk as far inside the vehicle. Sitting in one of these seats will give you that extra room you need to find a comfortable position for your legs and back, while also reducing the need to walk further, so there is no chance of this extra movement aggravating your pain.
At Sciatic Pain Relief Cushion, we offer help and guidance for people suffering from sciatica pain, so take a look at our blogs on www.sciatic-relief.com for more information that will help you manage your pain and symptoms.