1. The Icy Hot Method
The least invasive and simplest treatment for sciatic pain is application of ice and heat. In the two days after the initial pain appears, apply ice packs to the site of discomfort. Doctors recommend cold application for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day. Once the acute phase has passed doctors, suggest the application of heat to sore areas. Sometimes, when pain persists, it's recommended that heat and cold therapies be alternated.
2. Sometimes a Pill Does the Trick
Often, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications provide relief from pain and discomfort. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. If pain doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication, the doctor may prescribe medications, such as muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
3. Exercise Pain Away
Doctors frequently recommend exercises and stretches to ease the discomfort of sciatica. To set you on the right path, the doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can suggest and guide you through proper exercises and stretches. Most exercises enhance flexibility while also strengthening the muscles that support your back. In addition to physical therapy exercises, your doctor might recommend an exercise routine consisting of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day. Regular exercise reduces stiffness and increases flexibility. Another positive effect is the release of endorphins, which minimize your perception of pain and boost your mood. Most doctors wait until the acute phase of sciatica has resolved before encouraging patients to engage in heavy-duty exercise.
4. A Shot At Relief
If oral medications aren't effective, then your doctor may recommend an epidural steroid injection. Corticosteroids help to relieve inflammation, ultimately minimizing pain. The injection's given in your doctor's office. While the procedure provides relief lasting anywhere from one week to one year, there are drawbacks. First, the number of injections a patient can receive is limited to approximately three per year. Secondly, there are possible side effects including infection, bleeding, increased blood sugar and headache.
5. Take the Pressure Off
Surgical procedures are the most invasive form of treatment, typically reserved for cases of sciatica that don't respond to other less invasive therapies. Surgery is an option if the sciatic nerve is so compressed that it's causing weakness or incontinence. Two surgical procedures used for treatment of sciatica include diskectomy and microdiskectomy. The diskectomy involves removal of the disk that's compressing the sciatic nerve. Doctors generally attempt a partial removal of this disk in an attempt to preserve as much of it as possible. The microdiskectomy is a similar procedure that's done through a tiny incision using a microscope.
