Did
you know that nearly 40% of people may get sciatica or suffer from irritation
of the sciatica nerve at some point of time in their life? The nerve is located
at both sides of the lower spine and travels from the pelvic region to the
buttocks. The nerve then passes on the back of each upper leg before it goes
into the knee and then branches to the feet.
Pressure
or irritation of this nerve may cause pain in the buttocks and thigh. The pain
may be mild or cause extreme discomfort. Some people suffering from this
condition may also feel numbness, stiffness and tingling sensation. The pain may get worse if you had been
standing or sitting in the same position for a long time.
Treatment available
for sciatica pain
The
treatment may vary from hot to cold packs, exercises, medications and alternative
remedies.
Oral medications
Aspirin
and other similar over the counter pain relievers are recommended by doctors. Avoid
aspirin if the patient is a child or under the age of 18. Muscle relaxants are
used for muscle spasms and anti-depressants are used for chronic low back pain.
If patients experience severe pain then patients may be prescribed pain
medications.
Surgery
If
despite treatment the pain persists for more than 6 weeks, you need to see a
specialist. Surgery may be an option that can be considered to remedy the pain.
In some instances the herniated disc may be putting pressure on the nerve and
this can be corrected by surgery.
Physical therapy
It
may become difficult to be active when you suffer from this nerve pain. Bed
rest is not a recommended treatment, although it may be advised in some cases
of extreme discomfort. Certain activities and positions may not cause
discomfort and they can be used to manage pain.
Physical
therapy may be recommended by doctors if the symptoms are not severe. Proper
exercises may help reduce the pain considerably. Doctors recommend the
exercises depending on the cause of sciatica. It is best to do the exercises as
per the guidance of the physical therapist or physiatrist.
Complementary and
alternative remedies
Acupuncture
and biofeedback are complementary and alternative remedies that may provide
relief to some patients. One of the important things that you need to remember
is that these treatment methods are not backed by scientific studies.
Acupuncture
treatment used fine needles that are inserted at acupuncture points in the
skin. The points are located along channels and they are said to carry the
energy of the body. When the needles are placed at specific locations they are
known to correct the blockage or imbalance of the nerves that cause pain.
When
the channels or points are stimulated by experts they are known to provide
considerable relief to people in acute pain and discomfort. Biofeedback is a
technique that helps control blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. This
technique is used to treat pain caused by stress. These treatment methods are
usually recommended in addition to oral medication.
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