Sciatica Treatment & Hand Numbness

Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain can be caused by a herniated or bulging disc, or by many conditions in the back that cause inflammation or spinal nerve compression. According to the article "Sciatica" by the staff at MayoClinic.com, sciatic pain usually shoots down the buttocks and legs and calves, sometimes causing numbness in the feet and toes. Hand numbness is usually not a symptom of sciatic nerve pain. It is often caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the ulnar nerve in the wrist. Treatment for both usually include rest, ice, heat, medication and exercise.

Sciatica Treatment

• Sciatica and hand numbness might entail separate treatments, as the ulnar nerve in the forearm, wrist and hand is usually not in the path of the sciatic nerve. The best way to treat sciatica pain is to rest the lower back and temporarily stop all physical activity such as running, working out or playing sports. A back brace can help support the lower spine when you need to move around or work.

  During the first 48-72 hours, use ice to reduce the initial inflammation, swelling and pain of your sciatica. After that, use a heating pad to reduce any residual inflammation and pain. Heat will increase blood flow to your back, which carries oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for healing.

  Taking ibuprofen or naproxen can also help reduce pain, inflammation and any numbness in the toes and feet.

Treatment For Hand Numbness

• If your hand numbness subsides while you are treating your sciatica, you might not have to treat your hand separately. This scenario is remotely possible because of all the additional nerves in the spine, and because of all the conditions, including a tumor, that potentially can cause sciatica.

  However, you will normally have to rest, immobilize, use both ice and heat as well as anti-inflammatory medications for hand numbness, too. Hand braces can restrict hand movements so you don't irritate the ulnar nerve in your wrist and hand. Ice your hand and wrist for 20 to 30 minutes every three of four hours. After a few days, use a heating pad or submerge your wrist and hand in very warm water for 20 to 30 minutes. The ibuprofen you take for your back sciatica should also help alleviate pain and numbness in your hand.

Back & Hand Exercises

• Once you have the initial inflammation and swelling under control in your back and hand, exercise can help relieve your symptoms. For sciatica problems, lie on your back with your knees pointing up and both feet on the floor. Firmly press your lower back to the floor. Hold that position for two to five seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions.

  You can also grab both knees and pull them toward your chest, holding that position for two to five seconds. Do 10 repetitions of that exercise.

  For hand numbness, extend your arms palms-up and stretch your hand down as far as possible. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Do three repetitions. Also, bend your hand toward your forearm and to each side, holding each movement for up to 30 seconds. (See Resources 1-3 for additional exercises.)