Sciatica is not a medical condition on its own, but a term that describes pain, weakness and numbness that radiates from the lower back to the back of the leg. Sciatica is caused by conditions that compress the sciatic nerve, which exits the lower spine and runs down the back of the leg. Common causes include piriformis syndrome, a slipped disk, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury and tumors, states Medline Plus. Most cases of sciatica are treated conservatively, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
Ice Therapy
Ice and heat therapy may effectively treat sciatica, states MayoClinic.com. Ice applied to the painful areas in the lower back or leg can numb the skin and the tissue underneath it, which may lead to effective pain treatment. Furthermore, ice can reduce swelling and inflammation along the sciatic nerve, which can lead to an improvement in symptoms. For treatment, an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables should be placed over the area of discomfort. A patient should place a paper towel between the skin and ice pack to avoid frostbite. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.
Medications
A doctor may prescribe medications to relieve sciatica symptoms. MayoClinic.com states that a doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant. The anti-inflammatory medication can reduce inflammation along the sciatic nerve, which may help improve symptoms. A muscle relaxant affects chemical signals along the sciatic nerve to cause a reduction in pain. Furthermore, medications such as narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs block pain messages to the brain to ease chronic pain. A patient taking any of these medications should immediately let his doctor know if he begins to experience side effects.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be effective in treating sciatica, states MayoClinic.com. With this treatment, a physical therapist will teach the patient exercises and stretches that will strengthen muscles in the back and the leg. Stretches can help reduce compression on the sciatic nerve, which will result in a reduction in symptoms. In order for physical therapy to be effective, a patient must attend all sessions and adhere to the recommended home exercise program.
Surgery
In the most severe cases of sciatica, surgery may be necessary. MayoClinic.com states that surgery is necessary when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence or severe pain. In some cases, a surgeon may remove a herniated disk if this is the cause of sciatic nerve compression. Risks and benefits of surgery must be thoroughly discussed with a surgeon before proceeding.
