Sciatica treatment is, as the name implies, a means to relieve the shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the lower body, associated with compression of the sciatic nerve. Before delving into the many nonsurgical ways physicians attempt to help their patients find relief from these debilitating symptoms, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the anatomy behind sciatica.

The Sciatic Nerve

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, beginning toward the lower end of the spinal cord and branching off to run through the lumbar region, along the buttocks and all the way down the legs into the feet and toes. Because of its length and location, it also is one of the nerves most vulnerable to compression from anatomical abnormalities caused by degenerative spine conditions. The lower back, or lumbar region, supports most of the weight of the upper body and is subject to a lot of daily wear and tear because of its relative flexibility. When degeneration occurs, a portion of the spinal anatomy can “pinch,” or compress, the sciatic nerve – producing the array of symptoms known as sciatica. Treatment typically begins – and usually ends – with a regimen of conservative methods.

Conservative Methods of Sciatica Treatment

Conservative treatment is the first line of defense as a patient tries to overcome the debilitating effects of sciatica. Nonsurgical methods often recommended by a physician include:

– Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics can control the pain until the body adjusts or heals, and pain subsides on its own. Naturally, more severe pain might require prescription-strength narcotic medication.

– Physical therapy, exercise, stretching – under the guidance of a trained therapist, patients can participate in an exercise regimen geared toward strengthening the particular portion of the body affected by nerve compression symptoms. The core muscles located in the trunk area of the body should also be strengthened in order to take pressure off the bones and joints of the lower spine. Improved flexibility is also vital, because a greater range of motion allows a patient to maintain as much mobility as possible. Stretching also helps elongate the spine and take pressure off pinched nerves. No new exercise regimen should ever be started without first consulting a physician or professional athletic trainer.

– Alternative medicine – some people have found success using chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, and other medicinal belief systems that operate outside the medical mainstream.

– Corticosteroid injections – a compound of steroids and other substances can be used to reduce inflammation around a pinched nerve and numb the area. In most cases, this is a temporary solution used to relieve pain while the body either adjusts to permanent, age-related degenerative changes or inflammation subsides.

Not everyone responds in the same way to every type of conservative treatment method. Quite often, an initial course of treatment must be adjusted as the patient and doctor learn together what works and what doesn’t. The important thing during the early stages of sciatica treatment is to maintain an open line of communication with the doctor and/or physical therapist. A failure to communicate could lead to unnecessary suffering later on.

What to Tell the Doctor

An open line of communication does not mean every little development in the treatment process must be reported. If you feel a slight twinge, for example, there is probably no reason to place a frantic phone call to the doctor’s office and demand more narcotics. Remember, sciatica treatment is a process, not a miracle. It takes time and hard work to achieve results.

That said, there naturally are things the doctor needs to know. For example, if a particular exercise repeatedly causes severe pain – especially if that pain or discomfort is new – stop performing it and call the doctor. In short, common sense is your greatest ally as you seek relief from back pain and other symptoms caused by sciatic nerve compression.

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 specializes in safe and effective endoscopic sciatica treatment options as well as treatments for other common spine conditions. 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