Sciatic Pain Relief Comes in Many Forms

spinal stenosis

Sciatic pain relief is sought by many people who describe the pain as unrelenting and sharp. Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of one of the five sciatic nerve root endings. People may feel pain (in legs, buttocks, back and feet), numbness, or general muscle weakness when moving. Some feel pins and needles or a tingling sensation on the side of the body affected. Sciatica, which involves the lumbar, dorsal or sacral nerves, is usually felt on only one side of the body. Therefore, treatment of sciatica is different for each individual. Because it depends on the various underlying causes, testing must be done to find the cause so the doctor will know how to proceed.

Although the most common symptoms of sciatica are low back and leg pain, the pain can also be caused by spinal disc herniation, degenerated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis (roughening, enlarging, and/or misalignment of the vertebrae). Some patients feel sharp shooting pains through the entire lower body (behind the knees, buttocks) so sciatic pain relief methods may vary. Treatments include pain medications and muscle relaxants, epidural injections, physical therapy, massage, ultrasound, weight loss, acupuncture and surgery.

Strengthening the muscles that support the back may help with pain relief. Walking, swimming, yoga or Pilates can also prevent and ease the pain by improving the body's flexibility and strengthen back muscles. Keeping good posture helps avoid triggering sciatic pain. Try to support the back when driving, sitting, standing, and sleeping. Be sure to use proper lifting and carrying postures when moving heavy objects or doing repetitive tasks. Stretching exercises help the vertebrae by keeping the body limber and rejuvenated after long periods of sitting. Small things such as these are important, especially as we age or carry extra weight.

Once a diagnosis is made, Sciatic pain relief can be achieved using various treatments. CT scans, MRIs, or MR Neurography are routine tests done to find the cause of sciatic pain. Testing is necessary to establish a prognosis as well. A case of sciatica can last from a few weeks (due to simple muscle strain) or months and years (when the cause is a chronic condition). Therefore pain relief may be as simple as treating the pain with Tylenol, or as serious as getting epidurals or surgery. Your doctor will discuss the alternatives with you and be sure to give you the most effective treatment.