Treatment of Sciatica Back Pain

Sciatica is defined as a medical symptom characterized by the compression of the sciatic nerve, which is often associated with various nerve-related problems such as herniated discs. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve present inside the human body, elongating from the spinal cord to the legs and the hip region, thus the compression of this nerve often causes extreme pain, mainly in the lower back and the legs. However, the pain can spread to various other body parts as well, such as buttocks and feet.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy is often recommended by doctors to those suffering from sciatic back pain. Therapy is found to be very effective in reducing the pain associated with various back problems, including sciatica. The therapy generally continues for about one or two weeks, depending upon the severity of the pain. After the pain subsides, doctors often recommend certain rehabilitation exercises such as correcting posture, improving flexibility and strengthening the back muscles. These exercises help in reducing pressure on the back muscles, and hence help in recovering from sciatic back pain.

Drugs and Injections

• Doctors often prescribe certain drugs and medications such as narcotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, and tricyclic antidepressants to patients suffering from sciatic back pain. According to a Mayo clinic study, it has been found that these drugs help reduce the pain associated with sciatica by either blocking the transmission of the pain signals to the brain or by increasing the production of endorphins inside the human body, which are often known as painkillers.

  In certain rare and severe cases of sciatica, doctors may recommend epidural steroid injections to patients. Doctors inject corticosteroids into the patients, which helps in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with sciatica and relieving discomfort. However, this method generally provides short-term relief to patients and their usability over a sustained period of time is still under examination.

Surgery

• In certain severe and rare cases when the compressed sciatic nerve causes extremely unbearable pain and weakness, doctors often recommend surgery. In the surgical procedure, doctors remove the herniated disk causing compression of the nerve to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica.