Sciatica is when people experience pain radiating from the lower spine into the buttocks and down the back of a leg. The patient may suffer from pain felt anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve but is most likely to appear in the aforementioned locations. Pain can range from mild aching, to numbness, or to a burning that can only be described as excruciating. Many patients are treated by traditional medical care, yet some continue to experience discomfort, causing them to seek alternative types of health care.
This health condition is created when the sciatic nerve is impinged. A herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae, called a bone spur, are usually to blame. In rare cases, a tumor may compromise the nerve or a disease process such as diabetes may damage it. Therefore, it is essential to take pain of the sciatic nerve seriously and consult a doctor if it persists or reoccurs. Age, physical make-up, and lifestyle activities can increase risk of developing this condition.
Sciatic nerve pain can sometimes feel like an electric shock and may worsen if the sufferer sneezes or coughs. Simply sitting for prolonged periods can aggravate symptoms, which usually affect only one side of the body. In addition to pain, some people experience muscle weakness or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the affected foot or leg. While pain is experienced in one part of the leg, another part may feel numb. Hot and cold treatments and stretching may relieve mild forms of this condition but if pain worsens or lasts for longer than one week, medical attention is recommended.
Traditional treatment involves prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root. Severe cases may be treated by surgery to remove a portion of a herniated or protruding disc. These treatments have complications ranging from mild to potentially fatal.
Physical therapy is often recommended once acute pain improves. Rehabilitation programs include exercises that improve flexibility, strengthen muscles that support the back, and correct posture. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy involving the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at specific locations on the body. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help to relieve back pain while others have not revealed any benefits.
Medical management is not effective for all patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Spinal manipulation is an alternative therapy administered by a doctor of chiropractic According to research published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 60 percent of patients with sciatica who failed other medical procedures received the same degree of improvement from spinal manipulation as if they had undergone surgical intervention.
When other treatments for sciatica fail, patients should explore chiropractic treatment before committing to surgery. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment that is more cost-effective. According to research, chiropractic treatment helps as many as 90 percent of patients. These individuals may get the same level of relief that surgery provides.
This health condition is created when the sciatic nerve is impinged. A herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae, called a bone spur, are usually to blame. In rare cases, a tumor may compromise the nerve or a disease process such as diabetes may damage it. Therefore, it is essential to take pain of the sciatic nerve seriously and consult a doctor if it persists or reoccurs. Age, physical make-up, and lifestyle activities can increase risk of developing this condition.
Sciatic nerve pain can sometimes feel like an electric shock and may worsen if the sufferer sneezes or coughs. Simply sitting for prolonged periods can aggravate symptoms, which usually affect only one side of the body. In addition to pain, some people experience muscle weakness or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the affected foot or leg. While pain is experienced in one part of the leg, another part may feel numb. Hot and cold treatments and stretching may relieve mild forms of this condition but if pain worsens or lasts for longer than one week, medical attention is recommended.
Traditional treatment involves prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Corticosteroid injections may be administered to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root. Severe cases may be treated by surgery to remove a portion of a herniated or protruding disc. These treatments have complications ranging from mild to potentially fatal.
Physical therapy is often recommended once acute pain improves. Rehabilitation programs include exercises that improve flexibility, strengthen muscles that support the back, and correct posture. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy involving the insertion of very thin needles into the skin at specific locations on the body. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help to relieve back pain while others have not revealed any benefits.
Medical management is not effective for all patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Spinal manipulation is an alternative therapy administered by a doctor of chiropractic According to research published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 60 percent of patients with sciatica who failed other medical procedures received the same degree of improvement from spinal manipulation as if they had undergone surgical intervention.
When other treatments for sciatica fail, patients should explore chiropractic treatment before committing to surgery. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment that is more cost-effective. According to research, chiropractic treatment helps as many as 90 percent of patients. These individuals may get the same level of relief that surgery provides.
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