Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Understanding Sciatica and How to Treat It
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Sciatica is a condition that causes sharp, burning, or shooting pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips and legs. It often happens when a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal narrowing compresses the nerve. Understanding sciatica can help in finding the right treatment.Research shows that most cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatments. Physical therapy, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pressure on the nerve and relieve pain. Regular movement and avoiding prolonged sitting can also prevent symptoms from getting worse. For persistent or severe sciatica, interventional treatments like epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks can provide relief. Studies suggest that these treatments can reduce inflammation and help control pain when other methods aren’t enough. In cases where sciatica becomes long-term and disabling, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be an option. Research shows that SCS can help manage chronic sciatic nerve pain by changing how pain signals are processed before they reach the brain. The best treatment depends on the severity and cause of the nerve compression. If sciatica pain continues despite conservative care, talk to your doctor about additional options to help restore mobility and improve daily function.
FAQs
How can mild sciatica be treated?
Most cases of mild sciatica improve with conservative treatments, including physical therapy, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce nerve pressure and alleviate pain. Additionally, maintaining regular movement and avoiding prolonged sitting can help prevent symptom aggravation.
What are the options for treating persistent or severe sciatica?
For persistent or severe sciatica, interventional treatments such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks are available to reduce inflammation and control pain. These treatments are generally considered when conservative methods aren’t sufficient.
What is sciatica and what causes it?
Sciatica refers to a condition characterized by sharp, burning, or shooting pain running along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and legs. It commonly occurs when the nerve is compressed by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal narrowing.
What is spinal cord stimulation and when is it recommended for sciatica?
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is recommended in cases of long-term, disabling sciatica. It helps manage chronic sciatic nerve pain by altering how pain signals are processed before reaching the brain, proving beneficial when other treatments fail to provide relief.
What should I do if my sciatica pain persists despite treatment?
If sciatica pain continues despite conservative care, it is crucial to consult your doctor about additional treatment options. These may include interventional therapies or advanced options like spinal cord stimulation to help restore mobility and enhance daily functioning.