Sciatica is a common ailment, affecting as many as 40 percent of Americans at some point during their lives.
The source of the problem is the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down through the hips and legs. Trouble arises when something starts pinching that nerve—usually a herniated disc, a bone spur, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine).
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatic pain varies in different people, ranging from a mild ache to sharp, intense pain or a burning sensation. Most people will feel the pain primarily in one hip and/or one leg. Some describe it as an agony akin to toothache pain. Sometimes patients will feel numbness, weakness, or tingling on top of the pain.
8 strategies to stop the pain
A flare-up of sciatica usually resolves itself within a few weeks. These eight options will help most people cope with the pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can sometimes make the pain go away.
- Ice and heat. Heating pads or ice packs can take the edge off the pain for many people.
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you how to properly do stretching and strengthening exercises and improve your posture to help prevent a recurrence of sciatica.
- Movement. Although you may not feel like getting up, prolonged bedrest (more than three days) is not recommended. Exercise can help reduce inflammation, easing your discomfort. Walking or swimming are good options.
- Prescription medications. If the pain is severe and other options aren’t working, your doctor may prescribe stronger NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or narcotic painkillers.
- Steroid injections. Some patients may benefit from an injection of steroids into the affected nerve. This can only be done only three times a year because of potential side effects.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture, which involves inserting tiny needles into specific points in the skin, can sometimes help kill sciatica pain.
- Chiropractic. Some sciatica patients find relief from spinal manipulation by a chiropractor.
For severe pain that doesn’t improve after three months of trying other remedies, or if the sciatica is causing loss of bowel or bladder control, surgery may be needed. Few people—only about 5-10 percent—need surgery though.
Please give us a call to talk about how we can help you manage your pain. Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request an Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
