Sciatica is a relatively common type of back problem resulting in agony that radiates from the low back 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" really alludes to the indicators of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The cause of irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding intervertebral disc in the back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the severity of the discomfort 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). But these are not without risks, especially when taken over the long run or for those with hypertension, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is important; bed rest should really only be recommended if the pain is extreme.
- 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 like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is advocated usually as a last resort, if the problem is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disc, trimming of the disk or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All of the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A series of chiropractic adjustments, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic agony without the most likely serious side effects connected with the common treatments noted above.
The term "sciatica" really alludes to the indicators of the irritation to the root of the sciatic nerve, which causes the agony. The cause of irritation is most specifically compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or protruding intervertebral disc in the back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica depend on the essential causes, the severity of the discomfort 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). But these are not without risks, especially when taken over the long run or for those with hypertension, possibility of heart or liver disease, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is important; bed rest should really only be recommended if the pain is extreme.
- 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 like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depressants like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to reduce swelling when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is advocated usually as a last resort, if the problem is relentlessly worsening. Surgery may involve removal of part of the disc, trimming of the disk or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All of the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's why it's smart to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if possible.
A series of chiropractic adjustments, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to strengthen the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic agony without the most likely serious side effects connected 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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