Treating Sciatica Effectively
As painful as sciatica can be, the condition is incredibly common, occurring in roughly 3 million Americans yearly. Sciatica symptoms can range from mild to more severe burning pain, and in some cases, tingling or numbness can also occur. Although most cases can resolve without medical interventions, some people may be good candidates for minimally invasive surgery.
What causes sciatica?
The painful condition known as sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched. The nerve is important and travels from the lower back into the hips and buttocks, down into each leg. The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disk in the spine or when a bone spur develops. However, in some rare cases, tumorous growth can also lead to the development of sciatica. Diseases that cause nerve damage, such as diabetes, can also contribute to the development of the condition.
At risk of nerve damage
Some people may have a heightened risk of developing sciatica. In particular, aging, obesity, prolonged periods of sitting, uncontrolled diabetes, and even certain occupations can encourage nerve damage. While pregnancy can also be a contributing factor, the reason is not because of weight gain. In pregnant women, the condition often occurs because of an increase in the hormone relaxin, which can cause the joints and ligaments to loosen and stretch. However, the added weight gain of pregnancy can make the experience more unpleasant.
Sciatica symptoms
The pain of sciatica can be defined on a spectrum. While some people might only experience mild discomfort, for other individuals, the feeling can be debilitating. In most cases, the pain appears primarily on a single side of the body. In particular, the sensation may be sharpest in a specific location, such as the hip or a certain part of the leg. Individuals in the middle of a sciatic episode may struggle with weakness throughout the affected limb. The pain may be most noticeable after standing or sitting for extended periods, at night, or when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Treating sciatica at home
For most people that are diagnosed with sciatica, the condition can clear up without needing more serious medical interventions. At-home solutions usually center on pain management through traditional methods such as hot and cold applications and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. Additionally, performing gentle stretches can also aid in strengthening the core and reducing discomfort.
Medical interventions
When standard at-home methods for managing discomfort don’t work, people can consider turning to medical interventions. Sometimes, a person may need to start taking prescription medications to manage pain symptoms. While opioids are an option, other solutions can include antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and anti-seizure medications. Additionally, physical therapy (PT) can serve as a way to improve range of motion (ROM), strengthen the core, and correct posture. Finally, opting for steroid injections can also aid in controlling discomfort. However, most physicians won’t recommend more than 3 shots per year.
When to choose surgery
Not every individual with sciatica is a good candidate for surgery. In most cases, opting for an operation to alleviate sciatica is reserved as a final option when all other non-invasive solutions haven’t worked. Additionally, the pain should be so intense that quality of life, mobility, or control over bodily functions is severely impacted. The operation will work to correct the damaged disk or bone causing pressure. Using a minimally invasive approach, the patient can experience the benefits of less pain, less scarring, and a shorter hospital stay. Although surgery for sciatica isn’t the first choice for most, the procedure can be incredibly effective if needed.
