Sciatica refers to a disease that causes leg pain that originates from the lower back, down the spine, and through the buttocks to the limb. Teenagers and youths seldom experience sciatic pain, but adults are likely to get Sciatica in their 40s. The pain ranges from constant to the infrequent irritating pain that rarely causes permanent tissue damage or complications in the spinal cord. The contraction or irritation of the sciatic nerve triggers the pain in the lower back and legs. One needs to consult a specialist in case of persistent or occasional pain in the sciatic nerve. This blog disucsses the treatments for Sciatica in more detail.
Treatments for Sciatica:
Ice/Heat
During the initial stages of sciatica, ice or heat packs lower the pain in the limbs. One needs to apply the ice/heat for at least twenty minutes continuously at two-hour intervals. Ice and heat are equally effective although most patients prefer heat. One should not apply the ice on the skin directly, but should rather cover the surface using a cloth or towel to avoid an ice burn.
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine such as naproxen or ibuprofen is effective over-the-counter prescriptions for relieving the sciatic pain. Narcotics and muscle relaxants are effective painkillers but should not be used consecutively for more than two weeks.
Epidural Steroids
When the ache is severe, it is more appropriate to get epidural injections in the painful section near the sciatic nerve. The injections differ from oral epidural injections but are more efficient in relieving acute aches.
Chiropractic
An improper alignment of the spinal column is one of the causes of sciatic pain. Osteopathic physicians and chiropractors manually manipulate the spine to correct the misalignment of the skeleton. One needs to consult trained chiropractors to avoid pain and hasten the recovery.
Acupuncture
This treatment involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin around the aching region. The pain from the needles is negligible but helps in maintaining a healthy flow of energy through particular pathways of the body. Acupuncture is typically used in healing back pains associated with sciatica.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Face to face or online sessions with therapists help alleviate the self-defeating habits that restore the ability of the patient to manage the sciatic pain.
Exercises
Progressive training programs focused on the problematic region relieves the pain and curbs subsequent sciatic aches. The exercises allow the flow of fluids and nutrients in the spinal discs that lowers pressure on the sciatic nerve. Bed rest worsens the condition and thus sciatic patients should do back and abdominal strengthening and stretching exercises.
Massage Therapy
Massage improves the blood flow, relaxes the muscles, and stimulates the release of endorphins that naturally relieve pain.
Please contact Kerala Ayurveda for further information about treatments for sciatica on keralaayurvedacentre.co.uk
