How To Relieve Pain From Sciatica

If you have constant pain from sciatica, then you know you’ll do just about anything to relieve it. Relief comes in many different forms including over the counter painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, drastic surgical treatments, and a variety of other non-surgical treatments.

It is very fortunate that surgery is not usually required in order to manage sciatica pain. Without knowing safer and healthier alternative treatments, most people turn to painkillers to find relief for their sciatica pain. When a person suffers from a mild case of sciatica pain common over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or many other NSAIDs may help to decrease that person’s pain level. If over-the-counter medications do not cut through the pain, some doctors will prescribe non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the pain and inflammation related to sciatica and general lower back pain. If a person’s pain level cannot be managed with general over-the-counter or anti-inflammatory medications, a licensed physician can prescribe stronger prescription drugs, including a variety of opiates such as vicodin or codeine. There are very serious drawbacks to taking prescribed medication for even a short period of time. The patient can become heavily addicted to the medication and it can diminish a person’s ability to operate heavy machinery, including driving a motor vehicle.
Overall, the best long-term solution on how to relieve pain from sciatica is to develop the core muscles so that they are strong, but also are able to relax. Properly toned core muscles will reduce the amount of stress placed upon the sciatic nerve which will in-turn help reduce the amount of pain a person suffers. If exercise, stretching, and medication fail to treat sciatica pain, some doctors might turn to surgery to help their patient find pain relief. A procedure known as a microdiscectomy is a common procedure performed when a herniated disc is the cause for sciatica pain. This procedure physically removes any material that is placing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
One of the underlying conditions of sciatica pain that can be relieved with evasive surgery is known as spinal stenosis. The surgical procedure that is performed to eliminate spinal stenosis is called a lubar laminectomy. By removing bones from the vertebra, clearance is created around the nerve bundles within the spinal column.
Removing herniated vertebra disc material from the area around the spinal column directly linked to the sciatica pain is known as a discectomy procedure. This procedure relieves pressure being placed upon nerves within the spinal column. The traditional discectomy is an evasive procedure. Further advanced surgeries have been developed more recently that are less evasive, such as Endoscopic Discectomy and Laser Discectomy.
The most dramatic of surgeries designed to help relieve sciatic nerve pain is known as a spinal fusion. In an attempt to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve a surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae together. This surgery greatly reduces the range of motion of the spin and is only performed on patients that have suffered from years of back injuries or if the patient suffers from severe osteoporosis.
None of that sounds too appealing, does it?
Well, there’s good news. There are a number of alternative, natural treatments that can produce long-lasting results for suffers of sciatica pain. They don’t involve drugs or a knife.
If you’re interested in hearing more about these treatments, then give us a call today at (661) 940-6302.
Regardless of the pain treatment you think might benefit you, please always consult a doctor before attempting any pain management techniques.