Sciatica - Common Causes and Treatments
By Mark Stephens
Sciatica is a relatively common type of back problem resulting in discomfort that originates from the low back and backside down to the knee and foot on one side of the body; numbness, skin crawling and "pins and needles" can also result.
The term "sciatica" essentially refers to the indicators of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The explanation for irritation is most commonly compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the severity of the agony and the length of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these are not without hazards, especially when taken over the long term or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the discomfort is severe.
- Thermotherapy (hot & cold) compression packs may help with reducing the discomfort, use either one at a time or in combo.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to ease inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the issue is progressively worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the intervertebral disc or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to reinforce the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic agony without the potentially major complications connected with the common treatments outlined above.
The term "sciatica" essentially refers to the indicators of the irritation to the spinal nerves of the sciatic nerve, which causes the discomfort. The explanation for irritation is most commonly compression of the nerve roots by a herniated or bulging disk in the lower back.
Common Treatments
Treatments for sciatica are dependant on the essential causes, the severity of the agony and the length of the issue.
For most patients with short-term sciatica the following may help:
- A course of painkillers like Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these are not without hazards, especially when taken over the long term or for those with raised blood pressure, possibility of heart or liver illness, or a history of stomach and digestive disorders.
- Exercise and remaining physically active is of significant importance; bed rest should really only be encouraged if the discomfort is severe.
- Thermotherapy (hot & cold) compression packs may help with reducing the discomfort, use either one at a time or in combo.
For longer term sciatica the following treatments are usually recommended:
- Painkillers like paracetamol, codeine or anti-depression drugs like amitriptyline, which also help with nerve pain.
- Injections of a corticosteroid - epidural steroid injections are used to ease inflammation when painkillers do not work.
- Surgery, is advocated sometimes as a last resort, if the issue is progressively worsening. Surgery may potentially involve removal of part of the intervertebral disc, trimming of the intervertebral disc or fusion of bone, to release strain on the nerve.
All the above common treatments come with associated risks. That's the reason why it's best to tackle sciatica with exercise, physiotherapy or chiropractic care if at all possible.
A programme of chiropractic manipultaions, with a tailor made daily exercise routine to reinforce the muscles that support your back, can often help with sciatic agony without the potentially major complications connected with the common treatments outlined above.
About the Author:
Mark Stephens is a contract writer specialising in the healthcare field. He has got a particular interest in writing about spinal conditions like sciatica and working with specialists like Bedford Sciatica to help folks reach a rapid resolution of their sciatica.