Sciatica Pain Relief
The term "sciatica" refers to pain along a specific nerve - the
sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through each
leg. It usually caused by a wayward vertebral disc, more
commonly referred to as a pinched nerve or a herniated,
ruptured, or slipped disc that has shifted from it's normal
position in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on the
radicular nerve (nerve root), which connects to the sciatic
nerve.
The intensity and duration of the pain varies with each person,
and ranges from an infrequent and slightly irritating sensation
to a constant, debilitating pain. It normally affects the lower
back and one leg only, but pain may also extend to the feet and
toes. Typical "flare-ups" last two weeks to a few months. During
these episodes, sufferers have several options for sciatica pain
relief.
At-home remedies such as heat and ice packs often work wonders
to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. They should be used
in twenty minute intervals every couple of hours for optimum
effect. Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also bring sciatica pain relief.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be
particularly helpful in reducing inflammation, but can have
painful side effects.
If pain is severe, a patient may receive an epidural steroid
injection. Steroids are injected directly into the painful area
around the nerve and greatly reduce inflammation and pain. These
injections are temporary and provide sciatic pain relief
anywhere from one week to a year.
Physical therapy and chiropractic care ease the painful symptoms
of sciatica and work as correctives to prevent future
recurrences of the condition by helping to strengthen and tone
the lower back.
If pain persists for two to three months and the aforementioned
treatments have not worked, surgery may be the most effective
solution. Sufferers and their doctors must choose between two
surgical procedures performed to relieved the pain of sciatica.
These surgeries are elective and effective, relieving 75% to 95%
of patients' pain.