Sciatica is a relatively common type of back problem resulting in discomfort that ranges from the lumbar region 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" essentially makes reference to the symptoms of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The reason for irritation is most commonly compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding intervertebral disc in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the severity of the pain and the duration of the problem.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these are not without hazards, especially when taken over the long run or for those with raised blood pressure, risk of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the discomfort is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the discomfort, use either alone or in combo.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or antidepressants 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 typically as a last resort, if the issue is gradually worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the disc or fusion of bone, to release physical stress on the nerve.
All of the above common treatments come with associated risks. That is the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A sequence of chiropractic adjustments, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic pain without the common major side-effects associated with the common treatments noted above.
The term "sciatica" essentially makes reference to the symptoms of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The reason for irritation is most commonly compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding intervertebral disc in the lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the severity of the pain and the duration of the problem.
For most patients with short term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these are not without hazards, especially when taken over the long run or for those with raised blood pressure, risk of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the discomfort is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the discomfort, use either alone or in combo.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or antidepressants 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 typically as a last resort, if the issue is gradually worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the disc or fusion of bone, to release physical stress on the nerve.
All of the above common treatments come with associated risks. That is the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A sequence of chiropractic adjustments, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic pain without the common major side-effects associated 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.
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