Sciatica refers to the pain radiating along the sciatic nerve path and its branches, from the back, down the buttock and leg. Although sciatica and resultant leg pain can be painful, it usually resolves within a couple of months. MayoClinic.com reports that sciatica is a symptom and not a disorder, and therefore radiating pain might signify a problem indicative of nerve involvement conditions such as a herniated disk. Treatment of sciatic leg pain depends upon the cause, and a variety of measures can help ease pain.
Step 1
See your doctor. Your doctor will take a complete medical history, physically examine you, and might recommend additional testing such as diagnostic imaging studies. Your treatment will be based upon the yielding results of your medical evaluation.
Step 2
Ask about physical therapy. If sciatic leg pain is the result of a herniated disk, physical therapy can be beneficial in your recovery. After the acute pain has subsided, your physician or therapist can devise a rehabilitation program to help your sciatic leg pain and prevent future injuries.
Step 3
Consider prescription drugs. Your doctor might prescribe a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory medications to ease your pain. In addition, anticonvulsant medications and tricyclic antidepressants might be recommended. MayoClinic.com suggests that these medications might help symptoms by enhancing production of the body's natural painkillers, called endorphins, or by interfering with pain messages to the brain.
Step 4
Consider epidural steroid injections. Injections of corticosteroid medications directly into the affected area can suppress inflammation in the area of the irritated nerve, diminishing pain.
Step 5
Think about surgery. Surgery is normally reserved for such instances where compressed nerves cause pronounced weakness, bladder or bowel incontinence or when pain does not improve with other treatments. Methods of surgery include a diskectomy, where a portion of the herniated disk is removed, thereby relieving the pressure it exerts on the nerve, and microdiskectomy, where the diskectomy is performed via a microscopic incision.
Tips and Warnings
- Try an over-the-counter pain reliever. The University of Maryland Medical Center says nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can often provide significant benefits in relieving pain.
- If your sciatic leg pain worsens or is accompanied by weakness, numbness or tingling, call your doctor. Without treatment, your condition can deteriorate and result in permanent disability.
Things You'll Need
- Medical evaluation
- Physical therapy program
- Prescription pain relievers
- Epidural injections
- Surgical intervention
