Sciatic nerve pain can be very difficult to handle. The leg pain is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back. The pangs begin in nerve roots positioned on either side of the lower spine run through the sciatic nerve. These run the entire length of each leg starting from the buttock down to the foot.
This sensation is usually felt in one leg. Herniated disk is the major cause of this condition. A tear or crack in the disk bulges into the spinal canal which can pinch the sciatic nerve. The symptoms usually clear up in six weeks. However, in some cases, the pain may last.
Here is a list of what you can do to get relief from sciatica Back Pain:
Acupuncture
Most patients have reported significant pain relief soon after the first session. Usually, it takes around twelve sessions to see improvement.
Yoga
According to a report, it is revealed that people with chronic back pain who practiced Iyengar yoga on a regular basis for three months at stretch have experienced significant reduction in pain by around 64% and disability by 77%. Gentle types of yoga are known to be very beneficial for patients. Yoga practice boosts flexibility within the body and strengthens muscles which prove very helpful for sciatica patients.
Devil’s Claw
A herbal medication, devil’s claw acts as a strong anti-inflammatory. It works very similar to pain killers like ibuprofen to inhibit substances that drive inflammation.
Pain Relievers and Muscle Relaxants
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen may ease the distress. Painful muscle spasms may supplement a disk herniation. Hence, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants or tricyclic antidepressants that reduce pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Patients who do not experience any improvement in their health in a month can get relief by an x-ray-guided injection of steroid. This is directed into the lower back near the sciatic nerve. The treatment aims at reducing inflammation within that specific nerve branch. Since the treatment produce side effects, such as bone density loss, it may be limited to only thrice a year.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Exercise will increases flow of blood to the disk and the nerve. This will help you get rid of the chemicals leading to inflammation. Start with taking regular walks for around 15-20 minutes. In case, walking hurts a lot, you may try swimming or water aerobics. Being in water is will not out as much pressure on the back. Consulting a physical therapist will help. They will prescribe the best stretching exercise to restore flexibility to the back.
Surgery
After 4 to 6 weeks of unremitting symptoms, patients may qualify for surgery. The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial found that those who had surgery for a herniated disk had greater decreases in pain and disability 3 months afterward than patients who did not. The benefits lasted up to 4 years.
Cold Pack
A cold pack will help relieve the pain. You may also use a large bag of frozen vegetables. This makes for an effective first aid cold pack.
Ice Massage
Have someone massage the affected areas in a triangular pattern using an ice cube.
Heat Pad
Alternating with heat using an electric heating pad after a cold pack will offer sciatica back pain relief.
Make sure you do not sleep with a heating pad on the back. This may cause a bad burn.
