5 Things You Need to Know About Sciatica Treatment

1. Do You Have a Pain in the Butt?

The sciatic nerve can literally be a big pain in the butt because it is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs through the lower back, the buttocks, the back of the thigh and the calf. Sciatica is inflammation of the nerve almost anywhere the nerve goes. The type of pain is described as sharp and burning, shock-like or throbbing. At best, the pain is a dull ache and at worst it is excruciating. If left untreated, the problem that causes sciatica can also cause numbness, tingling or a loss of bladder and bowel control.

2. Relieving the Pressure

Sciatica is caused by several different conditions, including accidents that damage the nerve directly. Anything that puts pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sciatica. Medical causes of sciatica include a herniated (slipped) disc from a back injury or aging. Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, can also cause sciatica especially where the roots of the nerves enter. As the spine narrows, it presses on the nerve which causes pain. Other causes of sciatica include degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms and tumors.

3. Reduce the Attacks

An attack of sciatica can last for a week or a few months, so it's important to know what aggravates sciatica. You may not be able to stop the sciatica, but you can reduce the number or the severity of each attack. Although everyone is different, some behavior can aggravate it, including driving for long periods of time, prolonged sitting, lifting heavy items, excessive bending or stretching, walking and jogging. Although walking and jogging can aggravate sciatica in some, so does a sedentary lifestyle. So get off your butt and exercise, but be gentle about it.

4. Get Some Rest

As soon as you feel an attack of sciatica coming on, it's important to rest. Resting takes the pressure off the nerve and may make the attack less severe. Rest for a day, not a week. Lying too long can also put more pressure on the sciatic nerve. Apply ice packs in the first 2 days of an attack to reduce the swelling and use hot packs after the first 2 days. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to relieve the pain from sciatica. If the sciatic pain continues or worsens, see your doctor for more aggressive treatments including injections of steroids into the affected area, prescription pain medication or surgery when necessary.

5. Know the Alternatives

Alternative and complementary treatments can help with sciatic pain. Acupuncture, when done by an experienced practitioner can help relieve the pain of sciatica and reduce the amount of time the attack lasts. Acupuncture uses tiny needles along energy pathways that become "unblocked" with a treatment. Acupressure is based on the same principle, but uses the pressure of your hand instead of needles to unblock the energy. Acupressure is a great alternative, especially if you're afraid of needles.