Sciatica is a comparatively common sort of back problem resulting in agony that ranges from the lumbar region 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" essentially makes reference to the indicators of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The cause of irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or expanding disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the intensity of the pain and the chronicity of the issue.
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 risk, particularly when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, likelihood 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 agony is intense.
- Hot or 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 such as 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 swelling when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the issue is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release pressure on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if feasible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a guided daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic pain without the common major complications associated with the common treatments outlined above.
The term "sciatica" essentially makes reference to the indicators of the irritation to the roots of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The cause of irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or expanding disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the intensity of the pain and the chronicity of the issue.
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 risk, particularly when taken in the long term or for those with high blood pressure, likelihood 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 agony is intense.
- Hot or 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 such as 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 swelling when painkillers don't work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the issue is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the disk, trimming of the disc or joining of bone, to release pressure on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if feasible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a guided daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic pain without the common major complications associated with the common treatments outlined 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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