Sciatica is basically the feeling of pain that occurs in a person in the lower back area which results from irritation of the sciatic nerve. The pain can be felt till below the knee too since the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, beginning from the roots of the spinal cord, going all the way down to the lower limb. In simple terms, any irritation or disturbance to the sciatic nerve can cause symptoms of sciatica. In pregnant women, it can occur due to the irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Thankfully, acute forms of sciatica can be treated at home without any special medical treatment (simple sciatica treatment). Chronic sciatica is more serious and can require sciatica treatment. If sciatica is short term:
1. The most common solution for relieving pain, Painkillers are most effective. These are of two types, Steroidal and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIADs). The latter is known to be more effective with popular examples including ibuprofen and aspirin. NSAIDs have a number of side effects and are not advised for specific people such as those suffering from heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure or digestive disorders. For such people, paracetamol is recommended for the sciatica treatment. A habit forming muscle relaxant called Diazepam could be prescribed.
2. One of the keys to being physically fit is to exercise daily and stay active. Exercise takes away the need to have prolonged bed rest. It makes sciatica look all the simpler. Exercise really has proven to be effective in getting rid of sciatica.
3. An old but effective part of sciatica treatment for relieving pain in your back could be to use very cold or hot packs such as ice packs. It may be more effective if you use one type of pack followed by the other. These packs can provide a relaxing sensation and reduce the pain too. These can be switched in fixed intervals of time.
Chronic or Severe sciatica should be addressed (through sciatica treatment) as soon as possible so that the condition does not worsen. A better medical approach must be thought of and applied in this case and in the worst-case scenario, surgery may be required to once and for all ending it. Important treatment methods include, painkillers, corticosteroid injections, exercise, physiotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation.
It is never the end of the world when one is injured, but its prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is best if you avoid lower back injuries and keep sciatica away.