Medical Treatments for Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the spinal cord to the hip and down the back of each leg. Pain that radiates along this nerve on one or both sides of the body is referred to as sciatica and is a symptom of a problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk or an injury to the back muscles. Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe, and it usually dissipates on its own within four to eight weeks. Many people have recurring bouts of sciatica or periods of sciatic nerve pain that last longer than a typical episode. In these cases additional medical treatment may be necessary.
Physical Therapy
Sciatica due to a herniated or bulged disk often requires physical therapy as part of an overall treatment plan. Physical therapists can administer pain relieving treatments such as massage and ultrasound, but the majority of the treatment will be focused on exercises to improve posture, stabilize and strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. Some patients may only go through a few weeks of physical therapy, while more severe injuries may require months of rehabilitation.
Prescription Drugs
Doctors may prescribe one or several drugs to ease pain and reduce inflammation or muscle tightness. Muscle relaxers are one of the most commonly prescribed types of medication as they help loosen the tensed muscles surrounding the nerve. Narcotic pain relievers are generally used for short periods of time to reduce severe pain. Some antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications have been successful in treating chronic sciatica pain by working to block the brain's pain receptors or increasing the release of endorphins.
Epidural Injections
Spinal corticosteroid injections minimize inflammation, thus relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve. Many sciatica patients have reported relief from corticosteroid injections, but it is often a short-term solution and the injections have to be repeated. Due to possible severe side effects, such as infection, long-term nerve damage and bone death or thinning, corticosteroid injections are not typically given more than three times per year.
Surgery
When sciatica pain is prolonged and steadily worsens, your physician may consider surgery as an option to remove part of a disk that is pressing on the nerve. Severe sciatica can cause extensive weakness or incontinence. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem or prevent it from getting worse. Usually other treatment options are tried before resorting to surgery, as there are potential risks involved and additional surgeries are often necessary to prevent further spinal problems.
Alternative Treatments
Some sciatica sufferers find a great deal of relief from alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage therapy. Acupuncture has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for back pain, including sciatica. Massage therapy helps improve circulation and muscle relaxation, as well as facilitates the release of endorphins. Spinal adjustments by chiropractors and osteopathic physicians can help bring the spine into normal alignment and may provide some relief from sciatica pain by readjusting the disks or loosening tightened muscles pressing on the nerve.
Tags: corticosteroid injections, relief from, sciatic nerve, Medical Treatments, Medical Treatments Sciatica, physical therapy
