Sciatica nerve pain is caused due to compression of five nerves that form sciatica nerve in the body. It is the longest and the largest nerve in the human anatomy. There are different causes and symptoms experienced by a person who suffers from sciatica. Due to this, the treatment differs and requires complete attention. Sciatica treatment is available in two different categories - nonsurgical treatment and surgical treatment. Depending upon the level of pain and the discomfort a patient is undergoing, therapist can refer to surgery to eliminate sciatica. The current article emphasizes on the importance of different treatments that are available for sciatica.
People who are diagnosed with sciatica in the early stages can opt for nonsurgical sciatica treatment. With the help of medication and regular exercises, reduction in the pain is observed over period of time. Exercises prescribed by the therapist completely depend upon the symptoms that are experienced by a patient. Hence, it is important for a patient to describe the physical changes a undergoing and the pain which they are experiencing. Finding the root cause for sciatica will be helpful in providing the right treatment. Backward bending and forward bending exercises are usually preferred to provide relief from the pain.
Patients who do not show any recovery even after carrying out nonsurgical treatment can opt for surgical treatment. In this particular sciatica treatment, depending on the root cause either discectomy or lumbar spinal stenosis surgery is carried out. Discectomy is a process where herniated disc is removed which is the main cause for sciatica. Lumbar spinal stenosis surgery is an open surgery where damaged parts of the spinal cord are removed to provide relief from the pain. Due to the enlargement of spinal canal, pressure is reduced on the nerves, which in turn removes the presence of sciatica.
Other forms of sciatica treatment also include manual manipulation, acupuncture and massage therapy. Depending upon the level of presence of sciatica, the healing process may take around few weeks or a few months. It is important to note down the changes that are observed physically. The history will be helpful for a spinal therapist to detect the root cause of sciatica. With proper treatment and at the right time, sciatica can be prevented leading to a healthy life. Spinal therapist will suggest either a nonsurgical treatment or a surgical treatment depending upon the symptoms, discomfort and the level of sciatica presence in the body.