Sciatica is a relatively common type of back problem resulting in discomfort that originates from the lumbar region and buttocks 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" actually alludes to the signs 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 lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the underlying causes, the severity of the agony and the chronicity of the problem.
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 are not without risk, especially when taken over the long run or for those with high blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive problems.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the pain is severe.
- Hot or cold compression packs may help with reducing the agony, use either alone or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the problem is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's wise to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A series of chiropractic corrections, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can usually help with sciatic discomfort without the most likely major complications linked with the common treatments noted above.
The term "sciatica" actually alludes to the signs 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 lumbar region.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the underlying causes, the severity of the agony and the chronicity of the problem.
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 are not without risk, especially when taken over the long run or for those with high blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive problems.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is crucial; bed rest should only be recommended if the pain is severe.
- Hot or cold compression packs may help with reducing the agony, use either alone or in combination.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers such as paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve discomfort.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is recommended usually as a last resort, if the problem is progressively worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's wise to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A series of chiropractic corrections, with a carefully thought out daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can usually help with sciatic discomfort without the most likely major complications 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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