When injury, spinal degeneration or disease compress the sciatic nerve root in the lower back, they can lead to the onset of sciatica, a condition characterized by pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness that radiates from the lower back down the leg. In some cases, treatment of the underlying cause of nerve compression, or a short period of rest or mild activity, can relieve these symptoms; however, chronic sciatica that persists for months may require more aggressive or alternative treatment.
Corticosteroids
According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica symptoms that do not improve after a few months are often treated more aggressively with corticosteroids--a class of drugs that help to relieve pain and inflammation. These medications are typically administered via epidural--an injection through a catheter inserted into the epidural space in the spine. Some patients may find that these injections alleviate swelling and irritation of the sciatic nerve; however, the effects of the steroids are usually short-lived. Because corticosteroids can cause side-effects, such as infection and damage to the skin around the injection site, patients are limited to only a few injections per year.
Surgery
Surgery is a treatment option for patients with unremitting sciatica caused by a herniated disc--a condition in which a rupture in the outer wall of a vertebral disc impedes the spinal passageway and compresses the sciatic nerve. According to Merck.com, surgery is usually only performed on individuals experiencing muscle weakness, severe pain that does not respond to other treatments and interferes with daily functioning, and worsening nerve and neurological problems, including loss of bowel or bladder control.
Alternative Treatments
People with chronic sciatica who have not responded to traditional treatment may consider alternative treatments to relieve pain and improve mobility. According to Spine Universe, acupuncture--a treatment that involves the placement of very thin needles in strategic locations on the body--is used to restore energy flow and health to the body. Acupressure--an approach similar to acupuncture that makes use of the practitioner's elbows and fingers rather than needles--is another alternative treatment option that targets certain pressure points on the body.
Those whose sciatica is caused by muscle tension may benefit from biofeedback--a treatment that involves deep breathing and mind-body exercises to empower patients to learn to control their pain. Spine Universe also notes that yoga may be beneficial for those whose sciatica is caused by piriformis syndrome--a condition in which swelling of the piriformis muscle that runs from the base of the spine down into the buttocks compresses the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic treatment to adjust the spine may also reduce pain and inflammation, and improve joint mobility.
