Sciatica is a relatively common type of back problem resulting in agony that radiates from the low back and bum down to the knee and foot on one side of the body; numbness, tingling and "pins and needles" can also result.
The term "sciatica" actually makes reference to the signs of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The cause of irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying causes, the severity of the pain and the chronicity of the difficulty.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But these aren't without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver illness, or a background of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the agony is debilitating.
- Hot and cold compression packs may help with reducing the agony, use either on their own or in combo.
For longer-term sciatica the following treatments are generally recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs such as amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the difficulty is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the intervertebral disc or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if feasible.
A program of chiropractic adjustments, with a guided daily exercise routine to reinforce the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the potentially major complications linked with the common treatments mentioned above.
The term "sciatica" actually makes reference to the signs of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The cause of irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying causes, the severity of the pain and the chronicity of the difficulty.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But these aren't without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver illness, or a background of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the agony is debilitating.
- Hot and cold compression packs may help with reducing the agony, use either on their own or in combo.
For longer-term sciatica the following treatments are generally recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs such as amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the difficulty is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the intervertebral disc or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if feasible.
A program of chiropractic adjustments, with a guided daily exercise routine to reinforce the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the potentially major complications linked with the common treatments mentioned above.
About the Author:
Mark Stephens is a contract writer specialising in the healthcare field. He has got a particular interest in writing about spinal conditions like sciatica and working with specialists like Bedford Sciatica to help folks reach a rapid resolution of their sciatica.
