Sciatica is nerve irritation pain. It can also cause tingling and numbness. Sciatic pain relief treatments include painkillers, exercises, physical therapy, and more. Compressed nerves in the lower spine can cause sciatica, which affects the back and legs.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatica is the longest and widest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back to the buttocks and legs to just below the knee. Sciatic nerve pain sends sharp, shooting pain from the low back to the buttocks, legs, and foot. About 40% of American adults experience this back pain.
Sciatica Symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain and relief are the main issues. However, other sciatica symptoms include:
- Constant dull lower back pain
- Trouble moving or lifting feet or legs
- Intermittent lower back pain
- Pain from leg to foot
- Foot tingling
- Numb upper thighs
- Foot and leg weakness
Instant Sciatic Pain Relief Techniques
An ice pack, heating pad, or exercise are the immediate sciatic pain relief treatment. The following home remedies relieve sciatic pain:
- Apply a heating or ice pack to the injured area. Apply heat after a few days to speed healing.
- Strengthen your core. Strengthening your core reduces sciatic nerve pain.
- Keep going. Sciatica should not keep you in bed, according to the AAOS. They encourage maximum activity.
- Leg lift. Proper lifting technique prevents sciatica injuries.
- Notice the pain triggers. Any activity that causes sciatica should be avoided.
- Healthy weight. Obesity increases sciatic nerve pain risk. Losing weight may reduce sciatica.
- Straighten up. Good posture reduces sciatica risk.
- Hamstrings and lower back stretch. Gentle stretches strengthen the sciatic nerve route.
Conservative Methods
Conservative treatments surpass self-treatment. If self-care didn’t work or your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest these. Self-care can be complemented by conservative treatments guided by your doctor. They can also include:
- Prescription drugs: Painkillers, muscle relaxers, and other drugs may help sciatica. Chronic or nerve-based pain may benefit from tricyclic antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. Some medications used to treat sciatica pain include: Anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and opioids.
- PT: Physical therapy aims to reduce the nerve pressure causing sciatica through exercise. Stretching, walking, swimming, and water aerobics are low-impact options. A doctor can create a prevention program after the pain subsides. Corrective posture, core strength, and range of motion exercises are typical.
- Spinal injections: Injections like corticosteroids may help for three months. This is usually done under local anesthesia to reduce pain. This process can be explained by your doctor. Corticosteroid injections into the nerve root’s painful area may help. One injection often relieves pain. Three per year are allowed.
- Non-traditional therapies: These treatments are becoming more popular and offer alternatives to medications and procedures. Sciatica muscle spasms may benefit from massage. Pain and stress can be managed with biofeedback.
Medical Treatments for Sciatic Pain
Following treatments may help with pain that doesn’t respond to self-care.
Try Acupuncture
Western doctors are paying more attention to ancient Chinese medicine, and for good reason. Research suggests it may work better than traditional back pain treatment. Finding a licensed practitioner reduces risk.
Get a Massage
A professional massage goes beyond relaxation. Research shows that massage therapy reduces pain and improves lower-back mobility. It also promotes blood flow, promoting self-healing. Consult with a back pain doctor in Dallas who can incorporate assisted stretching.
Low Impact Exercises
Staying active can relieve sciatica symptoms quickly by loosening the sciatic nerve (if you don’t have an activity-induced flare-up). Try one of these for fast sciatica relief:
- Walk slowly for a short distance.
- Hamstrings and core strength can be improved by yoga.
- Take a short, easy bike ride or use a low-resistance exercise bike.
In the short term, avoid running and other high-impact activities, which can worsen symptoms.
Surgery
An estimated 80–90% of sciatica patients will not need surgery. Sciatica surgery includes lumbar laminectomy and discectomy. To relieve spinal nerve compression, lumbar laminectomy removes part or all of the lamina (part of the vertebrae). Herniated disks are removed either partially or completely. Pain management in Dallas will discuss surgery risks and benefits and recommend a procedure based on the cause of sciatica.
Conclusion
Sciatic nerve pain may start in the lower back and travel down your leg. Pain may feel electric or burning. Finding the cause of sciatic pain can help you find sciatic pain relief. Your doctor will examine you and discuss your symptoms and medical history to diagnose you. The exam may involve standing, squatting, walking, or other activities to determine which positions cause pain. You may need an MRI or other imaging test. Understanding the cause often leads to proper treatment and a full recovery.
