Sciatica is a painful condition that affects the sciatic nerve, one of the largest nerves that runs from the lower back down into the legs. Sciatica symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs, hips, and lower back. According to statistics from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 40 percent of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives.
Despite these dire predictions and uncomfortable symptoms, it is possible to gain lasting relief from sciatica. Finding treatment options will allow you to reduce inflammation and swelling, provide rest for overworked nerves, and provide you with some much-needed pain relief. Read on to learn more about treatment and what to expect as you embark on a road to healing.
Treatment Options
A number of effective treatment options make choosing the right method simpler. Here are a few of the choices you have when undergoing treatment.
Nonsurgical Methods
Many sciatica sufferers report a significant reduction in pain and greater mobility after employing simple but effective home remedies. Some of these remedies include:
Stretching
Lower back and hamstring stretches can increase the elasticity of ligaments and muscles, providing some much-needed relief from inflammation. The sciatic nerve calms and returns to its original position, reducing pain and promoting greater flexibility and range of motion.
Exercises
Exercises that are in keeping with your physical therapy plan will also reduce inflammation and contribute to stronger muscles in the legs and back. Follow the directions of your care team to ensure that you are not doing additional damage to affected areas.
Bed Rest
With extreme cases of sciatica, it may be necessary to take a break from movement. Get off those feet and remain on a firm mattress while your nerves and muscles take a break from movement. Hot and cold compresses may be used to reduce pain and swelling that contributes to inflammation.
Medicines
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen are the first place to start for pain management. If you and your doctor determine that these aren't effective at reducing pain and swelling, it may be time for muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatories. Steroid injections made directly into the affected nerve can also provide limited but welcome relief.
Surgical Options
If other methods of pain management are not proving effective, surgeries such as diskectomies and laminectomies are performed to provide relief to sciatica patients. These surgeries are recommended for people who have experienced little to no relief from sciatica pain for some time. Both surgeries involve the removal of bone tissue that is compressing the nerve and causing inflammation.
How Long Does Sciatica Last?
The duration of a painful episode of sciatica can vary greatly, depending on its cause. It may resolve on its own within a few days with conservative treatment, or longer cases of pain may involve vigorous therapy such as prescription medication and surgery.
Acute sciatica can last much longer if its cause is not addressed. Chronic sciatica is defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks; these situations require surgical intervention and physical therapy to provide lasting relief from painful symptoms.
Expert Care Center: Premier Pain Specialist in Delray Beach
Don't suffer from sciatica any longer; Expert Care Center is a premier pain specialist in Delray Beach. Offering valued clients services related to relief from neck pain, knee pain, lower back pain, and sciatica, we provide you with viable solutions to become pain-free once more. Contact Expert Care Center specialists to make your appointment today, and look forward to reduced pain and greater mobility!
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