3 Most Common Treatments For Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain in the lower back along the sciatic nerve. Sufferers can suffer from pain in the lower back or down one leg. Tingling or numbness in the leg can also occur. There are typically three levels of treatment for those who suffer from Sciatica. These treatments for Sciatica concentrate on helping the sufferer to overcome or cope with the symptoms.

1. Basic Home Care

The first area of treatment is a regiment of care that can provided at home by the sufferer of a loved one. When the injured area is painful the use of heat can alleviate some of the pain. Some doctors recommend using ice as well. In addition, the sufferer can use routine painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to dull the pain. The biggest remedy that a sufferer can try at home is to ensure that they try to position themselves in way that reduces the strain on the affected area. Examples include sitting in a stiffer position in a chair to limit the slumping of the lower back and sleeping with a pillow between under your knees.

2. Physical Therapy

The second area of treatment that a doctor may use involves physical activity. As with most illnesses or disorders, the doctor may encourage physical activity. Physical activities like exercising and stretching can strengthen the body’s natural core as well as help the body heal itself. For some sufferers, physical therapy could also be an option.

3. Drugs and medication

The third area of treatments for Sciatica is drug therapy. A doctor may prescribe a more powerful painkiller if the sufferer is not able to cope with the pain. In addition, the doctor may prescribe or inject an anti-inflammatory to reduce inflammation. Many in the medical profession use the more powerful painkillers as a last resort. Surgery, like drug therapy is also a last resort of treatments for Sciatica.