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Sciatica - Cause and Treatments

Sciatica is the term used to refer to the enlargement of the Sciatic Nerve in the lower part of your spine.

This is not a medical condition in its' own right but a symptom of possible medical condition or injury.

Usually, this is not a complaint that affects people under the age of 20 and in a lot of cases, does not appear to cause problems until one is in their 50's. That being said, it is also possible to have sciatic pain if a nerve is pinched in the spine and so, can affect anyone who has suffered a back injury.

Due to the variation in type, location and severity of the Sciatica, pain can range from infrequent and irritating to constant and so intense that it leaves the patient incapacitated this however, depends on the condition that may be causing it. Though it can be extremely painful to the sufferer, it is rare that permanent damage is sustained to the nerve or tissue in the spine.

Treatments for Sciatica vary and depend again, on the severity of pain and the condition in behind it.

Common symptoms experienced by sufferers of Sciatica can include:

Pain originating in the buttock area that radiates down the back of the leg and into the calf and foot of the patient
Pins and needles in the leg or legs, numbness and/or a prickling sensation
Pain that decreases when the patient is lying down and walking but increases when sitting still or standing
Lower back pain – though this is generally not severe pain
Sharp or burning pain through the buttocks

Treatment for Sciatica depends on whether the patient is experiencing the condition often and the level of severity – for most patients, non-surgical options are enough to relieve the pain and allow them to lead a normal life however, for patients who have constant, ongoing pain and discomfort there are surgical options available to discuss with their medical practitioner.

Non-surgical treatments can include:

Over the counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen or other non-steroidal medications.
Oral steroids are prescribed for reducing inflammation that causes the pain in the sciatic area
For severe cases, epidural injection can be used for temporary relief
Hot or cold packs – some patients find the heat packs give more relief than the cold however where there is inflammation it is beneficial to use the cold pack also and follow with the heat treatment.
Physiotherapy
Exercise

Surgical treatment of Sciatica may be used in severe cases where the patient has limited ability to move or to cope, these can include:

Microdecompression – this is used in cases where the Sciatica is caused by a disc herniation and use of non-surgical treatments has failed to give satisfactory relief. The procedure is known as a Microdiscectomy – where a small piece of the disc is removed to release the pinched nerve causing the pain. This kind of procedure would not be considered unless the patients condition had been severe or worsening for a 4-6 week period. Most patients will experience relief from Sciatica after having this surgery. Lumbar Laminectomy – this is a surgical procedure used for cases where the sciatic pain is being caused by a condition called
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and is only performed when a patients tolerance level is near zero. Medical practitioners must take into account the patients general health before performing this procedure due to it being open compression. Approximately 70% of patients who have this surgery experience relief from the sciatic pain

Because surgical intervention for Sciatica is a patients choice, there must be great consideration given before going ahead with this option. A patient should have exhausted all other avenues available to them for treatment of their sciatica before seeking specialist intervention and be very sure that they are prepared for the surgery both physically and mentally.

The Brooks Clinic specializes in treating whiplash injuries. We are located in Midtown, downtown, Oklahoma City. Call us today and we’ll give you a free consultation with absolutely no strings attached.

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