Sciatica is a term that is used to describe a type of pain that originates from the back and radiates to the lower limbs. More specifically, it is experienced along the path of the sciatic nerve. It characteristically affects just one side of the body. There are a number of things relating to sciatica treatment Marina Del Rey residents need to know if they are struggling with the condition.
Sciatica can be the result of one of several conditions. Generally, any lesion in the spine that impinges on the spine is likely to lead to the symptoms. Such may include a herniated intervertebral disc, a bone spur or simply a narrowed spinal canal. Treatment if symptoms is simply by relieving the pressure on the nerve. Using radiological images such as the MRI, X-rays and CT scans may help identify the exact cause.
Treatment modalities for this condition are broadly categorized into two; conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. The general practice is to start with the conservative options. Home based therapies that can be easily tried out include hot and cold compression, stretching exercises and over the counter analgesic drugs such as diclofenac, paracetamol and ibuprofen among others. It is important that one remains as active as they possibly can.
Physiotherapy is another readily available conservative option. Persons with low back pain (including sciatica) have been found to benefit from particular physical exercises. The program usually lasts for weeks or months depending on the nature of the condition. Patients are taught to do the exercises themselves or have their limbs and backs stretched by trained physiotherapists. Another important part of this treatment is to teach patients how to maintain the right posture that reduces back strain.
Spinal injections may be used to administer more potent analgesic agents if the simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs are not effective. The drugs used in this case include corticosteroids and local anesthetic agents. The main advantage of using this approach is the fact that it delivers the drug directly to the inflamed area. Other drugs that may be used to provide relief include antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
A number of alternative medicine therapies have been tried with varying success rates. Acupuncture and biofeedback are among those that are widely practiced for this condition. In biofeedback, the patient is taught to consciously control some of their physiological functions part of which is muscle tone. By so doing, they can relieve the impingement on the sciatic nerve. In acupuncture, multiple fine needles are inserted in specific areas of the body to relieve pain.
Surgery is usually considered as a last resort. It should be offered to persons who have worsening symptoms in spite of receiving the other forms of treatment. There are a number of different operations that can be performed depending on the underlying condition. These are usually named based on the part of the spine that is removed. For instance, corpectomy is the removal of a vertebral body (or corpus) and laminectomy is the removal of the lamina.
Sciatica is a fairly common problem estimated to affect about 4 in every 10 people at one point in their lives. Most cases resolve spontaneously within a few weeks but some persist for longer periods of time. There are many treatment options available many of which are easy to carry out at home. Consult a specialist if your pain fails to respond to pain relievers, physiotherapy and hot and cold compressions.
Sciatica can be the result of one of several conditions. Generally, any lesion in the spine that impinges on the spine is likely to lead to the symptoms. Such may include a herniated intervertebral disc, a bone spur or simply a narrowed spinal canal. Treatment if symptoms is simply by relieving the pressure on the nerve. Using radiological images such as the MRI, X-rays and CT scans may help identify the exact cause.
Treatment modalities for this condition are broadly categorized into two; conservative (non-surgical) and surgical. The general practice is to start with the conservative options. Home based therapies that can be easily tried out include hot and cold compression, stretching exercises and over the counter analgesic drugs such as diclofenac, paracetamol and ibuprofen among others. It is important that one remains as active as they possibly can.
Physiotherapy is another readily available conservative option. Persons with low back pain (including sciatica) have been found to benefit from particular physical exercises. The program usually lasts for weeks or months depending on the nature of the condition. Patients are taught to do the exercises themselves or have their limbs and backs stretched by trained physiotherapists. Another important part of this treatment is to teach patients how to maintain the right posture that reduces back strain.
Spinal injections may be used to administer more potent analgesic agents if the simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs are not effective. The drugs used in this case include corticosteroids and local anesthetic agents. The main advantage of using this approach is the fact that it delivers the drug directly to the inflamed area. Other drugs that may be used to provide relief include antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
A number of alternative medicine therapies have been tried with varying success rates. Acupuncture and biofeedback are among those that are widely practiced for this condition. In biofeedback, the patient is taught to consciously control some of their physiological functions part of which is muscle tone. By so doing, they can relieve the impingement on the sciatic nerve. In acupuncture, multiple fine needles are inserted in specific areas of the body to relieve pain.
Surgery is usually considered as a last resort. It should be offered to persons who have worsening symptoms in spite of receiving the other forms of treatment. There are a number of different operations that can be performed depending on the underlying condition. These are usually named based on the part of the spine that is removed. For instance, corpectomy is the removal of a vertebral body (or corpus) and laminectomy is the removal of the lamina.
Sciatica is a fairly common problem estimated to affect about 4 in every 10 people at one point in their lives. Most cases resolve spontaneously within a few weeks but some persist for longer periods of time. There are many treatment options available many of which are easy to carry out at home. Consult a specialist if your pain fails to respond to pain relievers, physiotherapy and hot and cold compressions.
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