Sciatica Treatment Options

Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve of our body, that stems from the lower back region and runs through the back of the thighs and legs. Irritation or compression of this nerve often produces a sharp pain that radiates throughout this entire region, i.e. from the lower back region to the legs, which is called sciatica. However, the term sciatica is often used indiscriminately to refer to any pain that radiates in the legs, whether or not caused by the pinching of the sciatic nerve.

Causes and Symptoms of Sciatica
Any condition that compresses the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. Such conditions include some spinal disorders like degenerative disc diseases, lumbar herniated disc, isthmic spondylolisthesis and lumbar spinal stenosis. Piriform syndrome (where spasm of the piriform muscle compresses the sciatic nerve), spinal tumor, sciatic nerve tumor and trauma or injury to the nerve roots of the lumbar region, can also cause sciatica. However, it has been observed that sometimes, mild factors like muscle sprain, wrong posture and excessive body weight due to obesity or pregnancy can also put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause mild and occasional pain in the lower back region and legs.

The pain caused by sciatica, generally begins on one side of the lower back region and then radiates down to the back of the thighs and legs. This is the most common symptom of sciatica. Sometimes, the pain can be accompanied by numbness and a tingling sensation. Some people can also experience pain in the foot and toe as well. For some, the pain caused by sciatica is mild and infrequent, while for others it can be an excruciating pain.

Sciatica Treatment
It is determined by the root causes that place pressure or compress the sciatic nerve and thereby, cause that debilitating pain. To find out the exact causes, several diagnostic tests like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan and electromyogram are carried out. Basically, all the treatment available for this condition can be categorized into two types, as non-surgical and surgical treatment.

Non-surgical Treatment
Treatment for sciatic nerve pain treatment include, rest, application of ice or heat pack, pain killers and physical therapy or regular exercise. Physicians usually recommend rest for mild sciatica pain, which often subsides on its own. However, if the pain is associated with some major medical conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated disc, then it can recur. This highlights the importance of detecting, as well as addressing the underlying conditions that cause sciatica.

For pain relief, a simple home remedy like ice or heat pack can be used. If applied within the first 48 hours, they can reduce the pain and the associated inflammation considerably. However, severe pain may require immediate relief, that can be given by pain killers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, along with muscle relaxants. If these measures fail to ease the pain, then corticosteroid injections may be required. However, all these treatments can provide only temporary relief and cannot address the root causes of the problem.

The frequency of sciatic nerve pain can be controlled to a great extent with the help of physical therapy, which is often considered as one of the best treatment for sciatica. Regular exercises can help a lot in strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen and to correct posture. So, physical activity is the key to manage the pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. However, to begin with, you should try only the gentle exercises. Walking and gentle stretching and back exercises are generally recommended for sciatic nerve pain treatment. Even, low intensity aerobic exercises can also be practiced. However, before starting physical therapy, always consult your physician or health care professional.

Surgery for Sciatica
If all treatments fail to prevent the recurrences of sciatica and if the pain caused by this condition is worsening, while the patient is experiencing bowel or bladder incontinence as well as progressive weakness in the legs, then surgery may be required for sciatica treatment. Such a situation generally arises, when sciatica is caused by serious conditions like slipped disc. Surgery involves the removal of a small part of the herniated disc, to reduce the pressure that it places on the sciatic nerve. This procedure is known as diskectomy. Another surgical treatment is laminectomy, where the spinal cord is widened to reduce the pressure on sciatic nerve.

Some of these options are for temporary relief, while others aim at giving permanent relief, by targeting the underlying causes. But, for proper treatment of sciatica, what is important is to find out the root causes. In the meantime, physical therapy can provide considerable relief and many times, helps in preventing the frequent flare ups of the condition.