Fast Treatment for Sciatica

By Justine C Tuazon

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain in the lower back area or the legs. The condition comes from irritation of the sciatic nerve and can be a very painful problem. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, starting from the nerve roots located in the spinal cord in the lower back area and down to the legs via the buttock area. There are many different types of treatment for sciatica.
There are several causes of sciatica, most of them being back problems that need to be addressed. Sciatica is not a back problem it is a symptom of an underlying back issue. In most cases, a herniated disc is the culprit that can cause sciatica. The disc bulges and can compress the sciatic nerve, causing irritation and inflammation. Sciatica can also occur from injury, tumors, internal bleeding, radiculopathy (abnormal intervertebral disc) and sometimes during pregnancy.
Treatment for Sciatica
• Short term bed rest is normally the first type of treatment recommended to allow any inflammation to subside.
• Pain medication is also used, depending on how acute the sciatica is and what is the injury causing the sciatica. Typically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work very well in relieving pain and inflammation.
• Muscle relaxants can also be used to reduce any inflammation that is causing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Stretching exercises can be great for helping people recover from sciatica and improving flexibility.
• Exercise is a great form of treatment for sciatica. It's very important for sciatica sufferers to remain physically active as prolonged bed rest may causes weakening of the spine muscles. Taking regular exercise help to strengthen back muscles and increase the production of endorphins, nature's painkillers.
• Compression packs, either hot or cold can help to reduce pain.
• An epidural steroid injection can sometimes be used to delivers anti-inflammatory medication rapidly to the area surrounding the nerves of the spine.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a long term treatment for people with chronic sciatica and helps with pain management.
• Surgery might be an option if all of the above does not bring any relief or the source of your sciatica can only be solved by a surgical procedure. There are several different types of surgery that are available such as discectomy (removal of the part of herniated disc that is causing the compression on your nerve), fusion surgery (sometimes needed when a vertebra has slipped out of place) and laminectomy (removal of the arch of a vertebra which will relieve any pressure on the nerves).
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