Sciatica Pain Relief
The term "sciatica" refers to pain along a specific
nerve - the sciatic nerve, which runs from your
lower back down through each leg. It usually caused
by a wayward vertebral disc, more commonly referred
to as a pinched nerve or a herniated, ruptured,
or slipped disc that has shifted from it's normal
position in the vertebral column and is putting
pressure on the radicular nerve (nerve root),
which connects to the sciatic nerve.The intensity
and duration of the pain varies with each person,
and ranges from an infrequent and slightly irritating
sensation to a constant, debilitating pain. It
normally affects the lower back and one leg only,
but pain may also extend to the feet and toes.
Typical "flare-ups" last two weeks to a few months.
During these episodes, sufferers have several
options for sciatica pain relief.At-home remedies
such as heat and ice packs often work wonders
to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. They
should be used in twenty minute intervals every
couple of hours for optimum effect. Over-the-counter
or prescription medications such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol) may also bring sciatica pain relief.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
can be particularly helpful in reducing inflammation,
but can have painful side effects.If pain is severe,
a patient may receive an epidural steroid injection.
Steroids are injected directly into the painful
area around the nerve and greatly reduce inflammation
and pain.
These injections are temporary and provide sciatic
pain relief anywhere from one week to a year.Physical
therapy and chiropractic care ease the painful
symptoms of sciatica and work as correctives to
prevent future recurrences of the condition by
helping to strengthen and tone the lower back.If
pain persists for two to three months and the
aforementioned treatments have not worked, surgery
may be the most effective solution. Sufferers
and their doctors must choose between two surgical
procedures performed to relieved the pain of sciatica.
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