Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce sciatic nerve irritation.
Treatment options include:
Limited Physical Activity
Prolonged bedrest is usually not advised. However, your doctor may recommend resting in bed for 1-2 days. Too much bed rest can weaken muscles and slow healing. Doctors generally recommend staying active within the limits of your pain and avoiding activities that worsen back pain.
Medication
Medications used to treat sciatica include:
- Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen , aspirin , or ibuprofen
- Muscle relaxers for muscle spasm
- Cortisone pills or injections where the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine
- Antidepressants for chronic pain
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be done at home or at work. It may include the following:
- Hot or cold packs
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Massage
- Ultrasound treatments
- Electrical stimulation
Alternative Therapies
These therapies have not been proven by scientific studies to have an effect on sciatica. However, some people may find some pain relief from the following:
Surgery
Surgery may be done to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is performed in emergency situations or if conservative treatments fail. Common surgical procedures are microdiskectomy and lumbar laminectomy .
Talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you. For example, a study found that after one year, there was little difference between patients that had microdisketomy and those that had conservative treatment (such as rest, physical therapy, and medications). But, people that had surgery did report faster recovery time. *¹
If you are diagnosed with sciatica, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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