Sciatica Treatment and Pain Relief

How to Achieve Sciatica Pain Relief

The term "sciatica" refers to the symptoms of leg pain that may be accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness that starts in the lower back area and moves to buttocks right down through the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

The symptoms that distinguish sciatica are the following:

Persistent pain in only one side of the leg or buttock
Burning or tingling down the leg pain that becomes worse when sitting,
Weakness
Numbness
Difficulty upon foot or leg movement
Sharp stabbing pain that results to difficulty moving

The degree of the pain from sciatica can range from infrequent to nagging, to persistent and debilitating.

Depending on the condition that is causing the sciatica pain, specific symptoms may vary in location, type and severity. Although the symptoms present in sciatica can be extreme, having permanent sciatic nerve damage is rare.

Treatments for Sciatica Pain:

Sciatica pain relief can be achieved through several ways. Usually, to treat both the pain and the condition, analgesics, anti inflammatory medication, physical therapy and surgery are prescribed.

In order to relieve the pain in sciatica, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen may be given to target the pain as well as the inflammation.

In cases of severe acute sciatica, the doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication for pain relief such as codeine or a muscle relaxant. Some physicians may also inject a dose of corticosteroids (a potent anti inflammatory drug) into the spinal fluid surrounding the affected area for instant relief of pain. This is a slightly invasive procedure that includes injecting a mixture of corticosteroids and a local anesthetic into the epidural space. This is usually used after conservative and non-invasive treatments were provided but were not quite able to relieve the pain.

Medical professionals such as chiropractors, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists also make use of heat and cold therapy to ease pain. Another remedy is spinal traction. This is done to relieve chronic lower back pain that accompanies sciatica but is not recommended for acute sciatica.

Alternative Therapy Treatments for Sciatica Pain Relief

Sciatica pain relief can come in other forms that are more natural and can be very helpful.

Chiropractors are known for helping patients with sciatica and are trained to do it through spinal adjustments, infrared laser therapy, light therapy, exercise therapy and much more.

Chiropractors are trained extensively to help patients as much as possible too not only help with decreasing pain, but also healing. They also help patients to avoid surgery if at all possible.

In order to further help with sciatica pain relief, lifestyle changes may have to be implemented as well. To help speed up recovery, exercise is an important factor. Remember that exercise increases the blood circulation thus promoting the healing process. But, it is vital that you know which exercises to do and those that you should avoid.

Since sciatica is caused by different medical conditions, consult your medical professional such as your chiropractor or physical therapists about the exercises that you can safely do to aid in your recovery.

Massage may also be helpful as well as stretching to loosen up the tightened muscles. Heat application relaxes the muscles as well.

Avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time since this is known to worsen the pain in sciatica. Also, do not attempt to carry heavy objects since it further aggravates the pain. Use proper body mechanics at all times.

However, if the mentioned ways to treat sciatica pain proves unsuccessful, surgery may have to be considered. This happens when there is a progressive weakness or difficulty in movement. Watch out for signs of loss of bladder or bowel function. These cases may require immediate surgery.

There are many treatments for sciatica pain relief. But before proceeding to any one of them, always consult a physician first to be able to find out the underlying medical condition causing sciatica.

Contact your physician if any of the above symptoms in order to rule out any serious ailments that may need immediate surgery. When treating sciatica, you are not only targeting the pain, but the condition causing it as well.

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