Sciatica, or the pain associated with your sciatic nerve, has the potential to produce
debilitating, progressively worsening symptoms that can compromise your daily
routine. Often associated with burning, tingling, and shooting pains that can make
everything from sitting to standing difficult and uncomfortable, securing effective
treatment is often a top priority for patients with this condition.
Today, there are a wide variety of traditional and alternative treatment options at
your disposal, meaning that regardless of the severity of your pain, there is always a
solution.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica affects your sciatic nerve, which runs the length of each leg up to your lower
back. The pain and symptoms of the condition will only appear on one side of your
body and can extend all the way down to your toes in severe cases.
The condition itself can be anything from irritating to debilitating, but what causes
the condition in the first place? There are several potential causes, however the
most common is when the roots of lower lumbar or lumbosacral spine become
irritated. How does this happen? In many ways!
• Age – Conditions that become more likely with age, such as bone spurs or
herniated discs, can also increase your risk of sciatica.
• Lifestyle Factors – Prolonged sitting, physical occupations that require
heavy lifting, or jobs that make you stay in your vehicle for long periods of
time can all exacerbate your sciatic nerve.
• Preexisting Health Conditions – Several health conditions, including
diabetes, can also increase your chances of developing sciatica.
How is Sciatica Treated?
As is the case with most conditions, there are several options for treatment when it
comes to sciatica. Just some of the most common treatments include:
• Medication and Injections – There are several types of medications
that you can turn to for sciatica pain, including muscle relaxants, anti-
inflammatories, and narcotics, among others. Of course, steroid injections
can also help reduce pain by controlling and reducing inflammation.
• Physical Therapy – Physical therapy can be used to help prevent future
damage to your sciatic nerve, providing you with long-lasting relief.
• Surgery – If you’ve exhausted all other options, you will probably feel like
your only option is surgery. In fact, surgeons can help correct the cause of
your pinched nerve, giving you some relief for your pain.
• Innovative Alternatives – Today, you can turn to alternative remedies
like shockwave therapy or INDIBA active ProRecovery for non-invasive,
nonsurgical treatments that promote recovery and deliver relief.
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