Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment
Sciatica Pain Relief
Sciatica is caused by an irritated sciatic nerve. This article will discuss sciatica pain relief.
Sciatica results in lower extremity pain. It is most often felt beginning in the lower back, and can transfer to behind the thigh – and even lower than the knee. This is due to the fact that the sciatic nerve is the largest in the body; its roots begin in the lower-back spinal cord and extend through the buttock into the lower limb area.
Sciatica is most commonly caused by the herniation of a lumbar disc; this leads to the disc putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, and the symptoms of sciatica pain are the result. The nerve can be pinched/squeezed/pressed upon by other factors, such as a tumor, a nearby bone or muscle or pregnancy, or be irritated by an injury, internal bleeding, or other causes. The pain can be very uncomfortable; sciatica pain relief is often sought.
What does it feel like?
- Burning
- Tingling
- Numbness
These sensations can radiate from the upper back and lower buttock, down the rear of the thigh and into the rear of the leg. Leg pain results. Other times it can feel like hip pain – or lower back pain. In severe cases, walking is very challenging or impossible. Bending at the waist and walking can make it worse. Lying down may bring relief, either partially or completely.
Sciatica pain relief: What options exist?
Though bed rest if often prescribed, studies have concluded that little statistical difference between the control group and the bed rest group existed. Aside from resting or changing positions, the following options are typically employed:
- Treating the underlying cause of the sciatic pain (such as something pressing on the nerve)
- Pain relieving medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Physiotherapy
- Surgical procedures (in the case of lower back nerve compression)
