The
sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It begins at the spinal cord and ends in both legs. Damage in this nerve can leave you in chronic pain without the proper care and treatment. Consider using these treatment methods if you suffer from
sciatica.
What is Sciatica?
In order to address treatment options, you first need to understand what sciatica is and how it affects your health. It is not a condition, disorder or disease. However, it is a sign and symptom of other health conditions. For those who suffer from chronic back or leg pain, knowing the facts is very important when seeking help.
The sciatic nerve can be damaged directly through trauma or caused by these:
- Herniated disk
- Back or spinal trauma
- Bone and joint conditions
- Tumours
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
Once a medical professional diagnoses the cause, proper treatment can be prescribed:
Hot Packs
It is possible for sciatica to be treated by non-medicated means. Some people use hot or cold packs to relieve symptoms and pain. Hot packs increase blood circulation to the affected area. A healthy blood circulation brings oxygen to the muscles, nerves and cells within the body. It is recommended that you do not apply hot packs directly to the skin. Wrap the pack in a towel and place it on the location for no more than five to ten minutes at a time.
Cold Packs
Cold packs can decrease pain by reducing swelling and irritation. A cold pack is applied by wrapping it inside a towel and placing it on the swelling. Take the pack off after fifteen minutes. If swelling has not decreased, apply this method again for another ten minutes.
Back Supports
The
Dynaspine Back Support is the ideal device for sciatica sufferers. Dynaspine moulds to the shape of your back for the perfect fit. Its 2 back support plates are flexible to provide consistent support throughout changes in seated positions. Dynaspine is also handy because it is lightweight and so can be easily transported from your car to the office and back home!
Exercise
Pilates or Yoga can help ease
back pain. Stretching the back and lower extremities are affective methods used by many sciatica sufferers.
Physical Therapy
If a person is in chronic pain and cannot relieve it on their own, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy. This treatment method for sciatic pain utilizes special techniques. These techniques not only help with pain, they strengthen the back, legs and hip muscles. Proper posture techniques are used to prevent further pain and damage. Most times, people complete their physical therapy and do not need further treatment.
Medication
Sciatica pain that refuses to subside with all other non-surgical methods of treatment may require medication. Medications, such as anti-convulsants, are often used to relieve intense pain. Muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs are other medications prescribed to people suffering with sciatica. Medication helps increase the body's endorphins. Endorphins are the body's own natural pain killers.
Surgery
Surgery is used when all else fails. It is also used when sciatic nerve damage causes incontinence of the bladder and bowels or significant muscle weakness occurs. There are several forms of surgical treatment and these are:
- Diskectomy: the removal or partial removal of a damaged disk. This surgery is often used in herniated disk cases.
- Microdiskectomy: uses the same methods as diskectomy, but includes using a microscope to complete the surgery. A surgeon looks through the microscope to locate, operate and remove the damaged disk.
Both surgical methods are used successfully, but microdiskectomy is less painful than diskectomy. The physician will discuss each method before completing the surgery.
Each sciatica treatment method is effective in relieving pain and discomfort. Choosing the right treatment method should be addressed with your attending physician.
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