9 Most Trusted Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatments
Before digging into treatment for sciatic nerve pain , you need to know about the pain or condition. Sciatica is formidable pain radiating from the rear end or the buttock. It radiates downward toward the ingrained sciatic nerve. You’ll find that although this pain can constitute several causes, almost 85% of cases are linked to disk disorder. Recent studies reveal that prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyle, degenerative spine functions or disease, hip injuries, and muscle tendon injuries can also lead to sciatic nerve pain. You can also use different treatments for sciatic nerve pain.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs curb inflammation across the body. As some form of sciatic nerve pain may stem from inflammation associated with the sciatic nerve, NSAID treatment can provide short-term relief at least. - Glucocorticoids
These form a significant class of well-known steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids-induced spinal injections are frequently used for lower back pain and similar conditions like sciatica. Modern research shows a short-term reduction in leg pain after this treatment for sciatic nerve pain with no subsequent requirement for surgery. - Opioids
Opioids work on opioid receptors for producing morphine-type effects. You will find that in the past, you had opioids like codeine and oxycodone. Doctors prescribed them frequently for a vast gamut of painful conditions that include the sciatic nerve pain and back pain. Still, due to their side-effects of addictive properties, many guidelines and regulations now state restrictions on the usage. - Muscle relaxants and anti-depressants
Muscle relaxants and antidepressants have been proved to be hugely beneficial for treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Since chronic pain leads to muscle tightness and depression, these drugs entail added benefits or qualities. The newer strata of antidepressants are renowned for having lesser side effects as compared to some older drugs in treatment for sciatic nerve pain. - Physical therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most sought-after initial treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Although many people think of relaxing and resting while suffering from sciatic pain, you need to remember that movement can be equally helpful. All doctors and fitness experts recommend physical therapy to reach a more holistic outcome. It may help with assisted, safe movements that strengthen muscles. After an injury, your muscle groups become weak, and this therapy energizes them. - Spinal manipulation or chiropractic treatment
Another widely implemented treatment for sciatic nerve pain is spinal manipulation. More often than not, the physician applies this treatment in a chiropractic milieu or setting. You need to remember that the results of this treatment have been largely conflicting. However, most of the studies have revealed that spinal manipulations can be very effective for sciatic pain relief. - Yoga
Yoga doesn’t require any special mention or sagacity now that it is taking over the world. Currently, it’s the most practiced treatment for sciatic nerve pain. Not only the internal rejuvenation and peace, yoga concentrates on mental focus, breathing, and physical movement. There has been very little comparative study on yoga’s impact on overall sciatica. However, current research says with much promise and precision that yoga is an efficient and wonderful treatment to cure chronic lower back pain. It includes sciatica as well. - Surgery
Surgery is always a noteworthy cure. Although sciatic pain invariably resolves sans any treatment quite often, surgery can lead to an earlier pain relief. When you consider surgery, the decision also banks on the reason behind the pain. For instance, a surgery has been largely advised by doctors for pain generated by large ruptures of the disk in your spinal column. They may also cause other problems like bladder or bowel control. - Doing nothing at all
Well, this might come as a pleasant shock to many, but sciatica can resolve itself naturally without any treatment. This is a fact and has been found in most cases related to back pain. According to a recent study, in almost one-third of people, sciatic pain gets resolved without concerted treatment within just two weeks. The research also revealed that it resolves in three-quarters of people suffering from the pain within a period of three months. Your doctor can recommend the best-suited plan of treatment and diagnosis after determining the main cause of sciatic pain.
Of late, there has been a renewed interest in natural ways of healing. Since there are different types of herniated discs or ruptured discs, chiropractor adjustments can be a great way to treat the pain. About stretching and yoga, nothing could be more natural and holistic. People have begun to realize the fact that the cure for body ailments lie in the body itself. All we must do is touch or activate the right muscles, groups, and nerves and make them energize the entire body. Yoga helps to lengthen your spine. It reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness in a big way.