Sciatica is a comparatively common sort of back problem leading to discomfort that radiates from the lower back and buttocks down to the knee and foot on one side of the body; numbness, skin crawling and "pins and needles" can also result.
The term "sciatica" actually refers to the indicators of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The reason for irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the underlying causes, the extent of the pain and the length of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But these aren't without hazards, particularly when taken over the long run or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a background of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the agony is debilitating.
- Hot and cold compression packs may aid in reducing the pain, use either alone or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are typically recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to ease inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the issue is relentlessly worsening. Surgery could potentially involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release pressure on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A programme of chiropractic adjustments, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to bolster the muscles that support your back, can usually help with sciatic pain without the common significant side effects connected with the common treatments noted above.
The term "sciatica" actually refers to the indicators of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The reason for irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the underlying causes, the extent of the pain and the length of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But these aren't without hazards, particularly when taken over the long run or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a background of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the agony is debilitating.
- Hot and cold compression packs may aid in reducing the pain, use either alone or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are typically recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to ease inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the issue is relentlessly worsening. Surgery could potentially involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release pressure on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A programme of chiropractic adjustments, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to bolster the muscles that support your back, can usually help with sciatic pain without the common significant side effects connected with the common treatments noted above.
About the Author:
Mark Stephens is a freelance writer focusing on the health-care field. He's got a particular interest in writing about spinal conditions like sciatica and working with experts like Bedford Sciatica to help folk reach a fast resolution of their sciatica.
