Sciatica is a type of pain that extends from the buttocks down the sciatic nerve. Although sciatica can have a variety of reasons, a disk issue is responsible for 85 percent of occurrences. Sciatic nerve discomfort can also be caused by degenerative spinal disease, prolonged sitting, and muscular, tendon, and hip injuries.
Sciatica is characterized by pain that extends from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. The soreness can occur anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it’s most likely to occur along a line that runs from your low back to your buttocks, as well as the back of your thigh and calf.
Pain can range from dull discomfort to a sharp, searing sensation or severe agony. It can feel like a jolt or an electric shock at times. Coughing or sneezing can make it worse, and sitting for lengthy periods of time might exacerbate symptoms. Only one side of your body is usually affected.
To treat sciatic pain doctors use a variety of methods, including:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs help to lessen inflammation all over the body. Because some sciatic nerve pain is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can occasionally provide at least temporary relief.
Glucocorticoids
The steroid hormones glucocorticoids belong to are a type of steroid hormone. Lower back pain and related diseases such as sciatica are routinely treated with glucocorticoid injections into the spine. Following glucocorticoid injections, research has shown a short-term reduction in leg discomfort with no need for surgery.
Opioids
To induce morphine-like effects, opioids bind to opioid receptors. Opioids like oxycodone and codeine were commonly recommended for a wide range of severe ailments, including back and sciatic nerve pain. However, because of their addictive properties, numerous guidelines now advise against using them.
Antidepressants and muscle relaxants
Antidepressants and muscle relaxants have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of sciatica. Furthermore, because chronic pain can lead to depression and muscle tightness, these medications may provide further benefits. The newest antidepressants are thought to have fewer adverse effects than previous antidepressants.
Physical therapy
One of the most typical initial treatments for sciatica is physical therapy. When it comes to sciatic pain, most people think of relaxing, but activity can be just as beneficial. Physical therapy can help you move safely and improve muscles that have weakened as a result of your injury.
Chiropractic (spinal manipulation)
Spinal manipulation, which is typically performed in a chiropractic setting, is another common treatment for sciatica. Although the evidence for this sort of treatment is mixed, some studies have suggested that spinal manipulations can be useful for pain alleviation.
Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that emphasizes physical movement, mental attention, and breathing. There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the effects of yoga on sciatica. Yoga, on the other hand, appears to be a good treatment for chronic lower back pain, including sciatica, according to studies.
Surgery
Even though sciatica pain usually goes away without treatment, surgery can provide pain relief sooner. When deciding whether or not to have surgery, the cause of the pain must also be considered. For example, surgery has been recommended for pain caused by significant disk ruptures in the spinal column, which can lead to additional issues like bowel or bladder control.
Do nothing at all
In the vast majority of situations, sciatica goes away on its own. Sciatic discomfort goes away without treatment in one-third of people after two weeks, and in three-quarters of people after three months. Once the reason for your sciatic pain has been identified, your doctor will be able to discern the best course of action.
