Poor posture while sitting or standing for long periods can also trigger sciatica. Symptoms range from numbness or pain in the beginning of the lumbar spine, extending downward from the buttocks to the legs. Symptoms may be mild, chronic or debilitating and usually worsen with time.

Although sometimes goes away by itself, sciatic nerve pain often requires treatment. Fortunately, a wide range of therapies for sciatica, ranging from minimally invasive procedures such as medication for back surgery. physiotherapy
and nutritional therapy.

For mild cases of sciatica, the services of a physiotherapist is usually sufficient. A regimen of exercises to strengthen muscles and promote good posture can relieve symptoms in its early stages. A dietitian can recommend a proper diet if that obesity is the cause. Both types of treatment are relatively inexpensive, covered by insurance and can help prevent other diseases that stem from inactivity and obesity.

Medications for pain relief sciatic nerve

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are less effective treatment of sciatica, and do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the nerve compression. These remedies, however, provide pain relief. Antiinflammatory and muscle relaxants are useful in reducing the swelling and locking of the contraction of muscles around the nerve.

Narcotics and opioids can be prescribed to relieve pain, but prolonged use is not recommended because doses must increase as the body develops tolerance to the medication. The risk of complications, side effects, addiction and abuse are increasing as the benefits of medication decrease.

Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic provides a mechanical approach to the treatment of the sciatic nerve. A chiropractor works to adjust the bones of the spine, neck, arms and legs to put them into proper alignment.

Before starting treatment, performed a physical examination and x-rays to identify the structures that are compressing the sciatic nerve. Next, the chiropractor manipulates the structures under pressure to move away from the nerves and get your alignment correct.

Sciatica in chronic treatments are necessary several times a week, diminishing over a period of several months. This treatment is recommended exercises to strengthen muscles to maintain alignment and keep the new compression relief

Surgery - invasive therapy for sciatica

Surgery is the most drastic and invasive treatment for sciatica. Like any surgery, carries a higher risk of complications and morbidity than other treatments for sciatica and requires a greater number of diagnostic procedures in advance.

First, you must have the patient's complete medical history to identify whether a candidate for surgery. They must also take into consideration the age, general health status, underlying conditions and possible reactions to anesthesia. Imaging technologies like CT scan or closed and open magnetic resonance imaging are necessary to obtain a clear picture of the problem. Positron emission tomography, where possible, also be used to obtain a three dimensional image to the surgeon.

Possible complications that may arise from back surgery are blood clots, infection, scarring and nerve damage. Recovery should be monitored closely and the overall physical activity should be limited after the operation. These long periods of inactivity can cause other health problems, especially for elderly patients.

Although the recovery period is about eight weeks, sciatica surgery usually relieves the pain immediately and is considered the treatment of sciatica faster and more effective when the condition continues for more than six months and not responding to treatment less invasive.


Informed Decision

With so many options available, choosing one can be difficult. The correct diagnosis and a thorough discussion of the possible options with your doctor are essential for successful and complete recovery.