Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica is a condition that brings about tingling or radiating pain to a person’s lower extremities up to their legs. In some cases, sciatica can also cause numbness and weakness along the buttocks area, the lower back and the legs. Additionally, it’s important to note that many of the people who suffer or are diagnosed with sciatica actually get better after a few weeks or months. Depending on their condition and the gravity of the situation, recovery may vary. Likewise, recovery also depends on the kind of sciatic nerve treatment used for pain.
Before deciding which sciatic nerve treatment to use for the pain, it’s first important to be sure that it’s a sciatic condition and assess how grave the condition already is. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
- Tingling or radiating pain on one leg or side of the buttock every time one attempts to sit or prolong their sitting position.
- Tingling or burning sensation running down the leg.
- Difficulty to move one foot or leg along with numbness or weakness along such areas.
- Regular bouts of pain on the rear side.
- Abrupt sharp pain when trying to walk or standing up.
Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica pain usually occurs because of inflamed and strained nerve roots. Treatment for sciatic nerve pain can take on many different approaches. Basically, the idea is to help reduce discomfort and eliminate the pain. There are several options people can choose from when dealing with such a condition.
Heat, Ice and Ultra Sound
There are several non-medical approaches to treating sciatic nerve pain. For instance, the use of heat, ice and ultra sound may in fact be helpful in relieving the pain. Basically, when heat is applied to the muscles, the piriformis muscle gets to relax thus lessening strain and pain. However, it’s important to note that heat application should be limited to warm baths because heating pads or direct heat over the muscle may only worsen the condition. Ice application may be done through cold or ice packs. Cold temperatures tend to cause numbness thus sparing the person from feeling any discomfort. Additionally, ultra sound is also a useful approach for such condition. The use of sound waves can help eliminate scar tissue in the damaged muscles. Sound waves are usually sent through a handheld device made of crystal. Once the crystal vibrates, a special gel transfers such movements to the damaged muscle tissue.
Stretching
If the person’s body condition can permit it, it’s possible to appease sciatic nerve pain through stretching. However, it’s best to first consult a doctor before proceeding with any stretching activity. As was mentioned, the piriformis muscle tends to affect the strain on the nerve roots. Through stretching, it’s possible to lessen the pressure or strain exerted on the sciatic nerves. One type of stretching requires placing the ankle on top of the right knee. Afterwards, one arm should be placed through a triangle-shaped hole between the legs. The other arm should be kept just outside the right leg. Connect the fingers and then pull on the thigh while slightly bending down. This should help stretch the muscles along the lower extremities. The position should be held for a few seconds up to a minute.
Sciatica surgery
Basically, sciatica surgery can qualify as an “all else fails” method. However, not everyone can qualify for such. This option is often selected to provide a more permanent cure to this condition. In some cases, sciatica surgery requires removing part of the disc that’s been straining the nerve roots.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, yoga, and nutritional counseling can be very effective treatment options, especially for more mild to moderate cases of sciatica.
There are many treatment options for sciatic nerve pain. With proper guidance and knowledge, it’s possible to make sciatica a much more livable condition.
