The sciatic nerve is the largest single
nerve in the body. It is made up of several individual nerve roots that start
branching out from the lower back at the lumbar segment. It runs from the lower
back into the buttocks going through the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve
passes through the thigh, calf, foot and toes. Sciatica occurs if the sciatic
nerve is compressed, pinched or irritated along its length. Some lower back
issues such as lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease and
spondylolisthesis etc cause sciatic pain. Infections or spinal tumours can also
cause sciatica.
The sciatic pain is characterized by
constant pain in just one side of the leg or buttock, weakness, numbness or a
sharp tingling sensation running through the leg. Leg pain is burning or
searing. Symptoms can be varying depending upon the area where the nerve is
pinched. The sciatic pain can be infrequent and irritating and sometimes it can
be frequent and devastating. If the sciatica symptoms are worsening day by day,
immediate medical care is required.
Rare sciatic symptoms require immediate
medical treatment that can be surgical intervention. Most of the patients who go
through sciatic pain revive through non-surgical treatments. To avoid the
surgical treatment of sciatica some other types of treatments can also be
applied.
Heat/Ice
In case of acute sciatic pain hot or ice
packs can be used to relieve pain in the initial stages. These packs can be
applied for about 20 minutes a few times daily.
Pain medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can
be used to relieve the sciatic pain. Oral steroids can also be used to reduce
inflammation. Muscle relaxants are also effective for short term alleviation of
pain.
Epidural injections
In case of severe pain epidural steroid
injections can also be used to reduce inflammation. They are more effective
than the medications as they reach the area in pain directly and reduce the
inflammation that might be causing the pain.
Chiropractic manipulation
Chiropractors, physicians or trained
health professionals can perform spinal adjustments through manual
manipulation.
Massage therapy
Massage increase the blood circulation induce
the release the natural pain relievers, the endorphins. Muscle relaxation is
one of the benefits of the massage therapy.
Some patients tend to remain on
non-surgical for as long as possible. They might have a working combination of
more than 2 non-surgical treatments helping them to alleviate pain. Along with
the other non-surgical treatments, exercises can also be very helpful.
Strengthening exercises
Several exercises help in strengthening
the spinal cord and the muscles around it. These exercises not only focus on
back but also on the muscles of the stomach and thighs. If the core muscles are
strong they can help in relieving the pain.
Stretching exercises
Stretching can be very helpful in
relieving pain. These exercises are meant to target the inflexible and tight
muscles. Hamstring stretch is one of the most recommended type of stretching
exercises. Along with this Bird Dog move and Plank Bird Dog move are also pain
relievers.
Low impact aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises enable the exchange of
fluids and nutrients that can help in creating a healthy environment.
Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging and swimming etc are very
supportive in recovery. Water therapy in warm water is also very effective in
case of high level of sciatic pain. Aerobic exercises also help in the release
endorphins. These exercises can be done separately or in combination. Yoga includes both strengthening and
stretching at the same time. it can be even more pain alleviating.
