Sciatica is a comparatively common kind of back problem resulting in pain that ranges from the low back and buttocks 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 indicators of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The reason for irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or expanding spinal disc in the back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the severity of the agony and the duration of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these aren't without risk, particularly when taken over the long term or for those with hypertension, likelihood of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be recommended if the pain is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may aid in reducing the pain, use either one at a time 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 pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is recommended typically as a last resort, if the difficulty is gradually worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the intervertebral disc or joining of bone, to release stress on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That is the reason why it's wise to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A program of chiropractic adjustments, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the common serious side-effects associated with the common treatments outlined above.
The term "sciatica" actually makes reference to the indicators of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the pain. The reason for irritation is most generally compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or expanding spinal disc in the back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the severity of the agony and the duration of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers such as Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these aren't without risk, particularly when taken over the long term or for those with hypertension, likelihood of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive afflictions.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be recommended if the pain is debilitating.
- Thermotherapy (hot and cold) compression packs may aid in reducing the pain, use either one at a time 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 pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is recommended typically as a last resort, if the difficulty is gradually worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the intervertebral disc or joining of bone, to release stress on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That is the reason why it's wise to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A program of chiropractic adjustments, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can generally help with sciatic discomfort without the common serious side-effects associated with the common treatments outlined 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.