What is Sciatica?

Sciatica treatment may be necessary for individuals whose sciatic nerve is being compressed by a misaligned, inflamed, or otherwise damaged component of the spine. The body’s largest nerve, the sciatic branches from the spinal cord in the lower back (lumbar spine) and travels down the leg, finally culminating in the foot. Symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness can travel along the length of the sciatic nerve, sometimes causing symptoms to appear in the lower back, hips, buttocks, leg, and/or foot.

How is Sciatica Treated?

Sciatica treatment can vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of an individual’s symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition, among other variables. That said, most patients will initially be advised to follow a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments. It is typically only after conservative treatments have failed to relieve a patient’s symptoms that a physician will recommend surgery.

Conservative Sciatica Treatment Methods

Patients may be advised to utilize one or more of the following conservative treatments for sciatica:

Medication – Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation by blocking the body’s production of the COX-1 and/or COX-2 enzymes. It should be noted that, although they are sold over-the-counter, patients should consult their physicians before taking these medications. In the event that over-the-counter medications fail to provide adequate relief, a physician may prescribe muscle relaxants or narcotic pain relievers.

Physical therapy – Some patients benefit from working with a physical therapist to improve their posture and strengthen the muscles in their lower back. In some cases, this can relieve neural compression, thereby abating the symptoms of sciatica. Physical therapy may also involve transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which sends electrical currents through the muscles in the lower back; cryotherapy, or the application of ice to numb pain and reduce inflammation; or thermotherapy, which is the application of heat to increase blood circulation and aid in the healing process.

Lifestyle changes – Many individuals find relief from the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica and other spinal conditions by making certain lifestyle changes. While under the supervision of a physician, shedding excess pounds can sometimes relieve some of the strain that is being placed on the sciatic nerve. Likewise, becoming more physically active can strengthen the muscles in the neck and back, helping to reduce some of the strain on the lumbar spine. Other changes, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and eating a well-balanced diet can also have a positive effect on spinal health.

Surgery for Sciatica

In the event that several weeks or months of conservative treatment proves ineffective, a physician may recommend surgical treatment for sciatica. Due to advances in technology, endoscopic procedures can now sometimes be utilized in lieu of open spine surgery. A minimally invasive spine procedure doesn’t require the dissection of any musculature, nor does it involve the entire removal or fusion of specific portions/components of spinal anatomy, which are both sometimes the case during a traditional open spine operation. It is primarily for this reason that individuals who undergo endoscopic spinal procedures face a less rigorous recovery and rehabilitation than those who undergo open spine surgeries. Other advantages include less likelihood for infection, blood clots, internal bleeding, or the continuation or worsening of symptoms following surgery, which is called failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).

Before choosing either an endoscopic procedure or an open spine operation, patients should assess the risks and benefits with their spine specialists. It is also advisable to receive a second – or even third – opinion before consenting to any type of surgical treatment. This can ensure that the proper diagnosis was made in the first place and that all nonsurgical treatments truly have been exhausted.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective surgical sciatica treatment options as well as outpatient treatments for several other common spine conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute. Laser Spine Institute offers safe and effective endoscopic sciatica treatment options. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/sciatica_sciatic_nerve_pain/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective surgical sciatica treatment options as well as outpatient treatments for several other common spine conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: sciatica treatment