What is Sciatica and What Can I Do About It?
Treatment Options and Living with Sciatica Nerve Pain
There are many different types of back pain and injuries. Sciatic nerve pain is especially troubling, as it’s one of the main nerves in your lower back. Many people may suffer an injury or a longterm sciatica problem. The sooner you have it diagnosed, the sooner you can get it treated.
What Exactly is Sciatica Nerve Pain?
Sciatica often begins as a herniated disc in your lower spine or lumbar. Each of your vertebrae or bones of your spine are separated from each other by discs of connective tissue. The disc can get worn down over time, or torn from an injury. It can suffer degeneration from age. This may cause its soft center to bulge out from the outer ring.
The bulging can then place pressure on the nerves that are surrounding it. The sciatic nerve is particularly sensitive and can cause a lot of pain. This pain can radiate from your back down into the legs on both sides. Over time you may have mild aches and pains or sharp severe pain. You may feel numbness or tingling in your legs and feet.
What is the Best Treatment for Sciatica?
In the past doctors were quick to suggest surgery for sciatic nerve pain or pain management prescription medication. Today, surgery is only recommended in the most serious of injuries, such as from bad falls from extreme heights, car accidents, or injuries that may result in paralysis if not operated on.
The good news is that for most cases of sciatica, you can expect it to clear up in a few weeks on its own. Many people will try ibuprofen, naproxen (Advil and Aleve) to help with the pain and decrease inflammation. An ice pack can also help to numb the pain.
What If My Sciatica Doesn’t Go Away?
If you haven’t already seen a physician, book an appointment today to diagnose your sore back. Don’t assume that it’s sciatica as it could be another health condition. But if it’s sciatica, then your doctor may prescribe physical therapy or steroids.
If you prefer to avoid medication, you may also want to try gentle exercises and chiropractic treatments to help your spinal column naturally realign, and help decrease your bulging disc back pain. Acupuncture is also another therapy that has helped many people.
Getting up and walking around for every half an hour of sitting is also good physical therapy. Longer walks around the block, at least four times a week, will also help maintain good back posture.
Once you get rid of your sciatica you’ll want to look after your back and maintain regular exercise so it doesn’t come back again.
If you’re tired of suffering from sciatica nerve pain, please book an appointment at our clinic today. Our doctors will provide a second opinion to ensure that you are in fact suffering from sciatica and not another related health condition, sore muscles, or internal organ issues. We’d be happy to help you with your pain management.
