by Mona Gallagher

Created on: June 17, 2007

Treatment for the pain of sciatica is usually two fold: Treatment for the pain is necessary and treatment is necessary for the condition itself. In a few cases, where increased weakness or acute and prolonged pain is present, surgery may be the alternative, but that depends a variety of factors and has its own set of complications.

Self-care is the most common form of treatment and works for most patients. At the onset of pain, bed rest may be necessary, but prolonged bed rest is not advisable, and according to experts, may worsen the condition.

Self Care: Relief can be obtained for many with the use of mild pain killers found in aspirin and acetaminophens. The downside is that if too many are taken, there is a ceiling to the benefit that can be obtained from them and, taken in excess, they can cause bleeding, ulcers of the stomach and liver problems.

Anti-inflammatory medication my be prescribed by your doctor in the form of muscle relaxers, anti-depressants and anticonvulsant drugs.

Cold packs may be prescribed and hot packs applied (48 hours after onset) to the area of inflammation giving temporary relief from pain.

Physical Therapy and Aggressive Methods: Rehabilitation through physical therapy is often prescribed as part of treatment. Physical therapy helps in strengthening the muscles, correcting posture and improving flexibility.

Exercise and strength training are very helpful in preventing degenerative changes.
Stretching exercises can be done at home and they help in a big way to loosen and give flexibility to the muscles. These exercises increase the range of motion, improve circulation and relieve stress; all of which help in the relief of pain. Exercise also helps in the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain blocker.

Aggressive methods of treatment include epidural steroid injections. The corticosteroid is injected into the infected area to suppress inflammation. These injections have side effects and there is a limit to the number of injections a patient can receive; usually up to 3 per year.

Surgery: If there is significant weakness or pain does not respond to other methods of treatment surgery may be needed. Also if there is incontinence in the bladder or bowel that signals a loss of sensation in the body, surgery may be performed.

Possible complication from surgery includes infection, bleeding injury to the nerve or spinal cord. It does not stop the degenerative changes of the spinal cord.

Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture is recognized by research scientists as efficient in relieving pain. Acupressure works on the same principles, but uses specific pressure points in its therapy, instead of needles. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine yield effective pain treatment for acute back pain in some patients.

Hypnosis: Deep relaxation and mind suggestion apparently lessens the patient's perception of pain.

There are a variety of treatments available but care should be exercised in all treatments and especially in those that the doctor has not prescribed for you. Exercise and/or physical therapy usually works best with medicine prescriptions.

Resource:
http://mayoclinic.com/health/ sciatica/DS00516

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