Know About The Correct Sciatica Treatment

spinal stenosis

Sciatica is a type of neuralgia, a condition where there is damage or pressure on the nerve causing pain, weakness, tingling or numbness. Sciatica refers to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve running through the leg, which means that this type of neuralgia is more commonly felt in the leg. However sciatica or neuralgia is considered a symptom of a cause and it is in looking at the cause that one can go about sciatica treatment.

Sciatica can result from a number of causes and involves anything that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve or has damaged it in some way. The pain can be deep and hard to treat and is often re-occurring. Therefore in terms of sciatica treatment it is important to look at the cause to make sure there is long-term pain relief. Sciatica can be caused by back problems such as spinal stenosis, a slipped or herniated disk or even spondylolisthesis. It can also be as a result of weak or tense muscles such as piriformis syndrome. This refers to a tightening of the piriformis muscle, which is located deep in the hip socket and can choke the sciatic nerve if it is too tight. Tumors may also exert pressure on the sciatic nerve together with conditions such as osteoporosis. It can be said that sciatica treatment is unique to its cause.

When the root problem of sciatica is located in the back either from a slipped disk, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis, sciatica treatment can vary. A slipped disk refers to a disk in the back moving due to a sports injury or an irregular movement. It can become herniated, which means it pushes against the muscle walls. Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra has slipped onto another vertebra. Spinal stenosis is when there is a narrowing of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord. In each of these cases, weakening of the lower back can put enormous strain on the sciatic nerve, resulting in possible pinched nerves or overexertion which leads to the intense pain felt deep inside the leg. Sciatica treatment for these can involve anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers to alleviate the painful area. A cortisone injection may also be recommended. Sometimes resting to avoid putting strain on the injured area may be a useful sciatica treatment including using hot packs or ice packs.

In some cases, especially with regards to the lower back as well as when piriformis syndrome is involved, physical therapy may target the affected area alleviating pressure off the sciatic nerve. Exercises that target and loosen the piriformis muscle and strengthen the surrounding muscles can help to make the hip area strong. Stretching the back, especially when there is a herniated disk may work as sciatic treatment by reducing the weakness of the back muscles so that they do not rely so heavily on the sciatic nerve.

When all other sciatic treatment fails and pain persists, a physician may consider surgery as a way to target the cause of the sciatica. Surgery to physically release the piriformis muscle may be considered and also surgery to repair a herniated disk, fix a slipped vertebra or a narrowed canal. However this is often the last case scenario for sciatica treatment and one to be avoided if possible.

The important thing about sciatica treatment is that it targets the actual root of the problem and alleviates the cause and thus the pain in the long run. It often requires consistency and dedication, especially when physical therapy is involved, however it is possible to treat sciatica and ensure that the pain is kept at bay permanently.