Sciatica is when people suffer and experience pain radiating from the lower spine into the buttocks and down the back of one leg. Discomfort may be felt anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve but is most likely to appear in the aforementioned regions. Pain can range from throbbing to mild aching, to a burning that can only be described as excruciating. Though many patients are treated by traditional means, some continue to experience discomfort, causing them to seek alternative types of care.
This medical condition is created when the sciatic nerve is pinched. An overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae, called a bone spur, or a herniated disk in the spine are usually to blame. In rare cases, a tumor may compress the nerve or a disease such as diabetes may damage it. Therefore, it is important to take sciatic nerve pain seriously and consult a professional if it persists or reoccurs frequently. Age, obesity, and lifestyle can increase risk of developing this condition.
Sciatic nerve pain can sometimes feel like a sudden sharp pain and may worsen if the sufferer coughs or sneezes. Sometimes sitting for prolonged periods can worsen the symptoms, which somewhat surprisingly, usually affect only one side of the body. In addition to pain, some people experience muscle weakness such as foot drop or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the affected extremity. While pain may be felt in one part of the leg, another part may feel numb. Cold pack treatments and rest may relieve mild forms of this condition but if pain worsens or lasts for longer than one week, specialist health care attention is recommended.
Traditional treatment involves prescription medication including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and some types of narcotics. Steroid injections may be recommended to suppress inflammation around the affected nerve root. The most severe cases may be treated by surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disk or extract a bone spur. These treatments have side effects ranging from mild to potentially severe.
Physical therapy is often recommended once acute pain improves. Rehabilitation programs include exercises that improve flexibility, strengthen muscles that support the back, and correct posture. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy involving the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at specific locations on the body. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help to relieve back pain while others have not revealed any benefits.
Medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, or other medical management is not effective for all patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Spinal manipulation is an alternative therapy administered by a chiropractor According to research published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 60 percent of sciatica patients who failed other medical management received the same degree of benefits from spinal manipulation as if they had undergone surgical intervention.
When other treatments for sciatica fail, patients should explore chiropractic treatment before committing to surgery. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment that is more cost-effective. According to research, chiropractic treatment helps as many as 90 percent of patients. These individuals may get the same level of relief that surgery provides.
This medical condition is created when the sciatic nerve is pinched. An overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae, called a bone spur, or a herniated disk in the spine are usually to blame. In rare cases, a tumor may compress the nerve or a disease such as diabetes may damage it. Therefore, it is important to take sciatic nerve pain seriously and consult a professional if it persists or reoccurs frequently. Age, obesity, and lifestyle can increase risk of developing this condition.
Sciatic nerve pain can sometimes feel like a sudden sharp pain and may worsen if the sufferer coughs or sneezes. Sometimes sitting for prolonged periods can worsen the symptoms, which somewhat surprisingly, usually affect only one side of the body. In addition to pain, some people experience muscle weakness such as foot drop or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the affected extremity. While pain may be felt in one part of the leg, another part may feel numb. Cold pack treatments and rest may relieve mild forms of this condition but if pain worsens or lasts for longer than one week, specialist health care attention is recommended.
Traditional treatment involves prescription medication including anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and some types of narcotics. Steroid injections may be recommended to suppress inflammation around the affected nerve root. The most severe cases may be treated by surgery to remove a portion of a herniated disk or extract a bone spur. These treatments have side effects ranging from mild to potentially severe.
Physical therapy is often recommended once acute pain improves. Rehabilitation programs include exercises that improve flexibility, strengthen muscles that support the back, and correct posture. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy involving the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at specific locations on the body. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help to relieve back pain while others have not revealed any benefits.
Medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, or other medical management is not effective for all patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Spinal manipulation is an alternative therapy administered by a chiropractor According to research published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 60 percent of sciatica patients who failed other medical management received the same degree of benefits from spinal manipulation as if they had undergone surgical intervention.
When other treatments for sciatica fail, patients should explore chiropractic treatment before committing to surgery. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment that is more cost-effective. According to research, chiropractic treatment helps as many as 90 percent of patients. These individuals may get the same level of relief that surgery provides.
About the Author:
Linda Shayna Eschmeyer is an author writing about healthy living. Would you like to know more about a Pittsburgh chiropractor? Get more information about Pittsburgh chiropractic.
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