How To Treat Sciatica?


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Sciatica can be a difficult problem to deal with primarily because of the unbearable pain it brings along. But, there is nothing to worry as there are various ways to treat the problem. Here is a list of some treatment options that you have.

Medications
Both, OTC pain relieving medications as well as prescription drugs may be used to treat sciatica. Your doctor may prescribe an anti inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant. Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used for over the counter purposes to treat sciatica. These medicines can have several side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and ulcers. So, it is recommended that you do not rely too heavily on them.

Heat therapy
Heat therapy has been used as a conventional treatment for sciatica. Application of heat eases tension in the muscles, providing pain relief. You can use a hot water bottle while you go to sleep. Soaking yourself in lukewarm water also provides pain relief.

Exercises
Exercising is popularly used as a treatment for sciatica. Various stretching exercises can help ease out the pressure that is exerted by muscles on the sciatic nerve. This helps ease out the pain. Regular exercising will not just treat sciatica but it can also help prevent the problem in future. Yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, and aerobic exercises are some physical routines that can aid in treating the problem.

Surgical treatment
Severe cases of sciatica call for the need of surgical treatment. However, a surgery is used only if all the non-surgical methods of treatment fail to provide relief. People, who experience disabling leg pain even after months of using other treatment, may need to go in for a surgery. The surgery involves removing the herniated disc from pressing the sciatic nerve to ease out the pain.

Epidural steroid injections
Epidural steroid injections are corticosteroid medications that are injected at the affected area to ease out the pain. These injections reduce the inflammation and pain around affected area. While these injections are helpful in treating sciatica, their use remains a subject of debate. Several studies reveal that these injections can have harmful side effects in the long run.

Alternative treatments
Alternative treatments like chiropractic treatment, reflexology and acupuncture can also help treat sciatica. These treatments have shown significant results in treating the problem. While acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points, chiropractic treatment works by spinal maneuvering. Reflexology involves applying pressure at specific points in the feet.

You can use any of the above mentioned treatment options depending upon the severity of the problem and the level of pain. Consult your health care provider to know which one best suits you.

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