How to Deal With Sciatic Nerve Pain?

The term sciatica is commonly used to describe pain traveling in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom caused by a disorder occurring in the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body, about the diameter of a finger.

Symptoms

• Dull or sharp pain, burning or intermittent shocks of shooting pain beginning in the buttock traveling downward into the back or side of the thigh and/or leg.
• Sometimes symptoms include tingling and numbness
• Sitting and trying to stand up may be painful and difficult
• Coughing and sneezing can intensify the pain

The Cause: Nerve Compression

Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause any of the above-cited symptoms. However, increasing trunk or leg weakness, or bladder and/or bowel incontinence is an indication of Cauda Equina Syndrome, a serious disorder requiring emergency treatment.

Diagnosis of Sciatica

The physician's examination includes the patient's medical history, a review of current medications, a physical and neurologic examination. If need arises, you could also be asked for one of the following:

• x-rays,
• CT scan
• MRI.

Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatment

Sciatica often responds well to non-operative forms of treatment and rarely requires surgical intervention. Time, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medication, short-term use of a narcotic for acute pain, lumbar injections, and physical therapy are beneficial.

Surgery

Surgery is not for all patients. However, in some situations, surgery may be indicated. Patients who have followed a non-surgical course of treatment for four to six weeks without relief certainly require a re-evaluation by their physician. If a MRI scan reveals a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may provide relief of the leg pain. The type of surgical procedure is dependent in part on the patient's condition and diagnosis

Recovery

Whether treatment for sciatica is non-operative or surgical, it is always wise to follow the instructions provided by the doctor and/or physical therapist.

• Work toward relieving unnecessary mechanical stress to the spine. For example, when standing, alternate resting one foot on a stool.
• When driving, place a small pillow or rolled towel behind the back to maintain natural spinal curvature.
• At bedtime, sleep on the back with a pillow under the knees or between the knees if sleeping on the side.
• Strive to eat healthy, work toward your ideal body weight, and avoid smoking. These lifestyle changes all benefit the spine's health.