Treating Painful Sciatica And Back Pain

Sciatica is a condition of the back that causes shooting pains throughout a person’s lower back and legs. This happens when the sciatic nerve becomes pressed or irritated by the bones located in the lower area of the spine.

The pain itself is felt in a few places, but mainly the legs and in some instances – down into the feet. There is not just pain involved, but also numbness and weakness of the muscles combined with irritation back pain that can be felt even before the condition is fully present.

When diagnosing sciatica, doctors review not only the pain a patient is feeling, but also what other symptoms or conditions they may have. Although they may seem unrelated, they often can highlight something more severe than just simple back pain. Some things to notice are having lost a drastic amount of weight, feeling unwell, taking steroids, having or have had cancer, a recent violent injury, like a car crash. These indicators are usually signs to see a doctor right away.

Usually sciatica resolves itself within a few days up to a few weeks and specific treatment is not necessary. Keeping active is helpful, as well as limiting bed rest and remaining in work. Although the natural reaction is to rest in bed, this itself will not treat the problem. Basic pain killers can help to control the pain, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

In severe cases, where simple painkillers do not help, it may be suggested to have an epidural. This is an injection directly into the spine which numbs the nerves that cause the pain.

Surgery to stop the nerves from being pressed by the bones within back is sometimes required in the most extreme of cases. This is something doctors resort to very infrequently due to the high risks involved in back surgery.

For more information on sciatica as well as possible treatment options, visit Dr. Dirk Kancilia’s site www.CaliforniaDiscInstitute.com