Cure for Sciatic Nerve Problems

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and one that can give people a great deal of discomfort. The sciatic nerve is formed from the combination of nerve roots coming from the lower back. Sciatic nerve pain is also called sciatica.

Many people refer to their back, hip or leg pain as sciatica when in fact it isn't. Sciatic nerve pain is caused from pressure and irritation being placed on the nerve, causing an inflammation of the nerve itself.

Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Pain

• Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain can range from mild and occasionally irritating to constant, severe and even debilitating. The symptoms increase in intensity as the pressure on the nerve continues and worsens. The pain can be felt in the lower back but usually starts in the upper portion of one side of the buttocks and travels down the back side of the thigh toward the knee. Pain, tingling and numbness may be felt from the rear to the feet. Pain is usually only felt on one side.

Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain

• Sciatic nerve pain (sciatica) is diagnosed by your physician. It is not a condition in and of itself. It is actually a symptom of another condition -- the condition that is causing the pain. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated or ruptured disc. The disc presses on the nerve, causing the pain and irritation. Other causes include tumors, pregnancy, infection, injury, internal bleeding, spinal stenosis or arthritis. These conditions can press against the sciatic nerve. A disc problem causing sciatic nerve problems usually is caused from normal wear and tear and occurs from ages 30-50 on average.

Bedrest vs. Watchful Waiting

• Studies have been performed on patients suffering from sciatica regarding whether bed rest or "watchful waiting" works better to relieve the pain. Watchful waiting is a term used when you watch the condition and, if it worsens, then treat. There has been no proof that strict bed rest is more beneficial than just taking it easy. Rest and lying down when pain hits until it is relieved does provide pain relief.

Medications

• Medications that can be used to treat sciatica usually involve over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve). Occasionally, muscle relaxers or steroids can be given with a prescription to relax the muscles and decrease swelling and irritation. Pain medicine may be prescribed for pain not relieved by Tylenol.

Rest and Exercise

• While prolonged bed rest may prove no more effective than taking it easy, resting in a position of comfort may help tremendously. If sitting or standing aggravates the pain, try lying down on the unaffected side. Stretching, bending and pulling exercises may help relieve the pressure and strengthen the back. Swimming is a good exercise to help with sciatic nerve pain to stretch and relieve pain and provide no-impact exercise to someone who may not be able to walk without pain.

Surgical Treatment

• Surgery may be indicated if the pain persists and is not relieved with other measures. A microdiscectomy is a laser procedure while a lumbar laminectomy and discectomy is an open operation. Both are designed to remove the portion of the disc that is pressing against the sciatic nerve. The microdiscectomy carries a lesser risk of infection and can provide 90-95 percent of patients with relief. A laminectomy usually will provide 70-80 percent of patients with relief. Surgery is usually optional unless the person shows progressive weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control.

  A newer procedure called an X stop places an implant in the spine to prevent the person from leaning backward, causing pressure on the nerve.

Unconventional Treatment Methods

• Chiropractic adjustments can be used to realign the back, relieving pressure. Many times a chiropractor works with a medical doctor in treating sciatic pain. Acupuncture can also be used as a alternative treatment option and has given many people relief of symptoms.