|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

Relief From Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body. It is actually a group of nerves bundled together that extends from the lower back down through each leg and ending in the feet. When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, it can cause numbness, pain, burning sensations or weakness. The most common cause for sciatica is a herniated disk compressing the nerve. There are other medical causes like diabetes, blood clots and tumors. Even sitting in an awkward position for an extended period of time can cause the sciatic nerve to turn painful.

  1. Therapy

    • Sciatica can go away by itself within a couple of weeks with self care. Rest is one of the best solutions. It can help reduce the inflammation of the nerve. Even though rest is a good remedy, do not lay around for too long. Complete bed rest can weaken the muscles. Application of heat or cold can bring pain relief as well. Staying active will help with the symptoms of sciatica. Limit your physical activity to what is not painful. Light exercises help including yoga. Physical therapy may help relieve the pressure on the nerve. Massage will alleviate some of the pain and other effects of sciatica.

    Medication

    • Medications like anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. Ibuprofen is one of the medications of choice since is reduces inflammation and pain. If the pain is too intense for a long period of time, epidural steroid injections may be an option. These injections decrease inflammation of the sciatica nerve root in the spinal cord. It is considered an outpatient procedure so it is a quick trip to the doctor's office.

    Surgery

    • If sciatica lasts beyond two week and is overwhelming, the only option left maybe surgery. This is called lumbar spine surgery. This is where the doctor removes part of the herniated disk in the back that is pressing against the sciatic nerve. This decompresses the nerve root and brings relief to the condition. This may be the only way to gain relief if sciatica is causing progressive weakness or hindering bowel functions.

Back Pain - Related Articles