Sciatica is a relatively common kind of back problem leading to agony that radiates from the low back and bum 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" essentially alludes to the indicators of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The reason for irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the extent of the agony and the duration of the difficulty.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nevertheless these aren't without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, risk of heart or liver illness, or a background of stomach and digestive problems.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be encouraged if the pain is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the discomfort, use either on their own or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are generally recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the problem is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the disc or fusion of bone, to release pressure 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 possible.
A series of chiropractic manipultaions, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic pain without the common major complications connected with the common treatments outlined above.
The term "sciatica" essentially alludes to the indicators of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The reason for irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the extent of the agony and the duration of the difficulty.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nevertheless these aren't without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, risk of heart or liver illness, or a background of stomach and digestive problems.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be encouraged if the pain is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the discomfort, use either on their own or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are generally recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the problem is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the disc or fusion of bone, to release pressure 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 possible.
A series of chiropractic manipultaions, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic pain without the common major complications connected with the common treatments outlined above.
About the Author:
Mark Stephens is a contract writer specializing in the health care field. He has a particular interest in writing about spinal conditions like sciatica and working with consultants like Bedford Sciatica to help people reach a speedy resolution of their sciatica.
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