The Best Treatment for Sciatica

Sciatica is not a disease or disorder. Sciatica refers to the symptom of pain, burning, or sometimes numbness involving the sciatic nerve.

The sciatic nerve branches out from your lower back and extends the full length of your hips, buttocks, and legs. Sciatica is a symptom of a problem somewhere along the nerve. Usually this involves a herniated disc or pressure on the nerve from some sort of trauma. There are times that a reason for the sciatica pain cannot be attributed to any solid cause. Often the pain comes and goes and may simply go away on its own within a few weeks or months. Until then treatment options vary depending on the severity of the pain.

Self Care Treatment for Sciatica

* If you have cancer or any serious health condition that you are presently being treated for, always consult your doctor before using home treatment options!

Depending on the severity of pain, over-the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Sitting for prolonged periods of time for office workers or others who have a desk job can lead to the sciatic nerve being compressed. Change positions during the day. Get up and walk to the water cooler or walk to take messages to co-workers rather than emailing them. This gives you a much needed break and may be a simple solution to avoiding sciatica pain.

Alternating ice and heat pack to the area may also bring relief. Strengthening core muscles that support the lumbar region and also strengthen the gluteal muscles, hips and legs may also help reduce your risk of long term sciatica pain. A certified physical trainer can recommend a series of exercises. In the case of severe pain your doctor may recommend physical therapy.

For most people with occasional sciatica pain, home remedies are all that is needed. If your pain persists for longer than three or four weeks or worsens even though you have been using home remedies it is time to see a doctor to rule out serious complications.

Medical Treatments and Drugs

Before recommending or prescribing medications, your doctor will likely use a series of x-rays and imaging tests to determine the cause of your sciatica pain. Based on his findings and any other underlying health conditions you may have treatment may include a combination of options. Physical therapy will include exercises to strengthen the back muscles, improve or correct your posture and prevent recurring straining or pressure on any possible herniated disks. Medications may include prescriptions for anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers and narcotic for pain in severe cases. The most severe cases of sciatica that does not improve in a few months following conservative treatment may require steroid injections or surgery to treat a herniated disc.

Alternative Health Options

Treatments Alternative health treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, massage and hypnosis have all been shown to provide relief for sciatica and back pain in many individuals.

Of course prevention is better than treatment. Not all sciatica pain can be prevented but you can lessen your risk of reoccurrence by exercising regularly and maintaining good posture and body mechanics when sitting, standing, lifting or twisting during the course of your day.