Sciatica originates in the lower back or buttocks and travels along the sciatic nerve which runs through the leg. When this continues to flare up there are several options for sciatica pain treatment Conroe patients can consider that will bring them relief. Depending on the cause and severity of the disorder, these methods range from simple, at-home remedies, to surgery.
Compressed nerve roots are essentially the source of sciatic discomfort, for some patients a combination of specific exercises and other simple treatments can bring about substantial improvement. The application of heat and ice to the affected leg is often helpful is easing the pain. Whichever of the two one prefers can be applied for about 20 minutes, then the other can be used. The process can be repeated every two hours.
Patients may also need to take analgesics, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, or oral steroids to reduce inflammation, these medications can provide temporary relief from sciatica so the patient can go about his or her normal activity and carry out any therapeutic exercises that have been recommended for recovery. In more severe cases, they may be given an epidural steroid injection.
Chiropractic adjustments are an alternative form of therapy that may also offer positive results for some sciatica sufferers. This approach focuses on correcting spinal alignment problems which are believed to be responsible for the discomfort. A trained chiropractor applies directed pressure to the affected vertebra, which in turn eliminates the nerve compression.
Other alternative healthcare modalities that have been proven helpful include acupuncture and massage therapy. The former involves the use of fine needles being inserted into the skin which are understood to restore balance to the body's energy flow, thus relieving pain. The latter is beneficial as it increases blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and stimulates the release of endorphins, which naturally ease discomfort.
Fortunately, most patients gradually recover from sciatica within six to twelve weeks. This process can be hastened if the patient is put on a physical therapy plan consisting of exercises that involve stretching, strengthening, and aerobic moves to help encourage healing and prevent pain from recurring. It's important to exercise in spite of the discomfort as inactivity can slow down one's recovery.
When the sciatic pain persists past twelve weeks, surgery may be considered as a reasonable solution. Normally the surgeon will perform one of two operations: a lumbar laminectomy or a microdiscectomy, depending on the exact cause of the condition. When lumbar spinal stenosis is present, a lumbar laminectomy or "open decompression" will be carried out in which the segment of bone or disc compressing the nerve will be excised. If a herniated disc is to blame, a microdiscectomy will be done to remove the part of the disc responsible for pinching the nerve.
Generally, these surgeries are elective, meaning that it is the patient's decision. Physicians will agree to this form of treatment in most cases where other measures have failed to provide sufficient relief and the patient is becoming limited due to his or her persistent suffering. Patients typically must have good overall health to be considered as suitable candidates for surgical intervention.
Compressed nerve roots are essentially the source of sciatic discomfort, for some patients a combination of specific exercises and other simple treatments can bring about substantial improvement. The application of heat and ice to the affected leg is often helpful is easing the pain. Whichever of the two one prefers can be applied for about 20 minutes, then the other can be used. The process can be repeated every two hours.
Patients may also need to take analgesics, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, or oral steroids to reduce inflammation, these medications can provide temporary relief from sciatica so the patient can go about his or her normal activity and carry out any therapeutic exercises that have been recommended for recovery. In more severe cases, they may be given an epidural steroid injection.
Chiropractic adjustments are an alternative form of therapy that may also offer positive results for some sciatica sufferers. This approach focuses on correcting spinal alignment problems which are believed to be responsible for the discomfort. A trained chiropractor applies directed pressure to the affected vertebra, which in turn eliminates the nerve compression.
Other alternative healthcare modalities that have been proven helpful include acupuncture and massage therapy. The former involves the use of fine needles being inserted into the skin which are understood to restore balance to the body's energy flow, thus relieving pain. The latter is beneficial as it increases blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and stimulates the release of endorphins, which naturally ease discomfort.
Fortunately, most patients gradually recover from sciatica within six to twelve weeks. This process can be hastened if the patient is put on a physical therapy plan consisting of exercises that involve stretching, strengthening, and aerobic moves to help encourage healing and prevent pain from recurring. It's important to exercise in spite of the discomfort as inactivity can slow down one's recovery.
When the sciatic pain persists past twelve weeks, surgery may be considered as a reasonable solution. Normally the surgeon will perform one of two operations: a lumbar laminectomy or a microdiscectomy, depending on the exact cause of the condition. When lumbar spinal stenosis is present, a lumbar laminectomy or "open decompression" will be carried out in which the segment of bone or disc compressing the nerve will be excised. If a herniated disc is to blame, a microdiscectomy will be done to remove the part of the disc responsible for pinching the nerve.
Generally, these surgeries are elective, meaning that it is the patient's decision. Physicians will agree to this form of treatment in most cases where other measures have failed to provide sufficient relief and the patient is becoming limited due to his or her persistent suffering. Patients typically must have good overall health to be considered as suitable candidates for surgical intervention.
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