Sciatica is a comparatively common kind of back problem resulting in agony that radiates 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" actually makes reference to the symptoms of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The reason for irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disc in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying causes, the extent of the pain and the length 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 are not without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, risk of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the agony is severe.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the agony, use either one at a time or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are typically recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants 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 advocated usually as a last resort, if the difficulty is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the disk or fusion of bone, to release physical stress on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to bolster the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the most likely significant side-effects linked with the common treatments noted above.
The term "sciatica" actually makes reference to the symptoms of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The reason for irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disc in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the underlying causes, the extent of the pain and the length 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 are not without hazards, especially when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, risk of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the agony is severe.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may help to reduce the agony, use either one at a time or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are typically recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants 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 advocated usually as a last resort, if the difficulty is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the spinal disc, trimming of the disk or fusion of bone, to release physical stress on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to bolster the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the most likely significant side-effects linked with the common treatments noted 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.
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