Sciatica is a condition that is characterized by lower limb pain, a tingling sensation and weakness along the region of the leg that is innervated by the sciatic nerve. The condition, also known as radiculopathy, may also affect the low back. In most cases, the symptoms tend resolve spontaneously over time but they may progress in severity in a few people. There are a number of options for sciatica treatment Marina Del Rey residents need to be aware of if suffering from the condition.
A majority of the options are conservative in nature with invasive techniques being reserved for the severe forms of the condition. Self-help physical activities that have been demonstrated to provide relief include swimming, walking and cycling. While bed rest may help in some cases, it may have a detrimental effect when prolonged. Aim to resume your regular routines as early as possible.
Compression therapy is another readily available form of treatment that exists. Hot and cold compressions are equally effective. Hot compression packs can be obtained from pharmaceutical outlets while cold compression packs can be easily prepared in the home setting. This is done by wrapping a handful of frozen peas in a small towel. Two to three compressions are required in a day depending on symptom severity.
There are a number of pain relieving drugs that can be considered. One of the groups of drugs that are considered here are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs include naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Stronger analgesic agents such as morphine and codeine are required for more severe pain. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be added in some cases to help with nerve pain.
If your GP is unable to handle the case he will usually refer you to a spinal surgeon who has a number of things that they can do. One of them is spinal injections with steroids or local anesthetic. Steroids have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce the swelling around the nerve. Spinal injections have the advantage of ensuring that the drug is delivered directly at the desired site.
Surgery is not usually needed. It may, however, be the preferred mode of intervention if the cause is clearly identifiable such as a slipped intervertebral disc. The commonly performed types of surgeries include discectomy, fusion surgery and laminectomy. The choice is dependent on the exact problem. It is important to understand that the surgery has some risks that include permanent nerve damage, bleeding and infections.
The two main types of alternative therapies that have been tried with varying rates of success. These are acupuncture and chiropractic. In the former, a small needles is inserted in the area of interest on several occasions. Some people report improvements while others have found no benefit. Chiropractic mainly involves spinal manipulation to restore spinal mobility.
Is sciatica preventable? Some cases can be prevented while some cases cannot. Engaging in regular physical exercises particularly those that help to strengthen the back and the abdominal muscles helps to reduce the incidence. Another important preventive measure is to adopt proper posture when walking or sitting. Such posture should be aimed at maintaining spine curvatures.
A majority of the options are conservative in nature with invasive techniques being reserved for the severe forms of the condition. Self-help physical activities that have been demonstrated to provide relief include swimming, walking and cycling. While bed rest may help in some cases, it may have a detrimental effect when prolonged. Aim to resume your regular routines as early as possible.
Compression therapy is another readily available form of treatment that exists. Hot and cold compressions are equally effective. Hot compression packs can be obtained from pharmaceutical outlets while cold compression packs can be easily prepared in the home setting. This is done by wrapping a handful of frozen peas in a small towel. Two to three compressions are required in a day depending on symptom severity.
There are a number of pain relieving drugs that can be considered. One of the groups of drugs that are considered here are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs include naproxen, ibuprofen and diclofenac. Stronger analgesic agents such as morphine and codeine are required for more severe pain. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants may be added in some cases to help with nerve pain.
If your GP is unable to handle the case he will usually refer you to a spinal surgeon who has a number of things that they can do. One of them is spinal injections with steroids or local anesthetic. Steroids have an anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce the swelling around the nerve. Spinal injections have the advantage of ensuring that the drug is delivered directly at the desired site.
Surgery is not usually needed. It may, however, be the preferred mode of intervention if the cause is clearly identifiable such as a slipped intervertebral disc. The commonly performed types of surgeries include discectomy, fusion surgery and laminectomy. The choice is dependent on the exact problem. It is important to understand that the surgery has some risks that include permanent nerve damage, bleeding and infections.
The two main types of alternative therapies that have been tried with varying rates of success. These are acupuncture and chiropractic. In the former, a small needles is inserted in the area of interest on several occasions. Some people report improvements while others have found no benefit. Chiropractic mainly involves spinal manipulation to restore spinal mobility.
Is sciatica preventable? Some cases can be prevented while some cases cannot. Engaging in regular physical exercises particularly those that help to strengthen the back and the abdominal muscles helps to reduce the incidence. Another important preventive measure is to adopt proper posture when walking or sitting. Such posture should be aimed at maintaining spine curvatures.
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