Sciatica is a condition that is associated with acute pain radiating along the track of the sciatic nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve is located in the legs of the human beings and it is the largest and the longest nerve in the human body. The thickness of the sciatic nerve is about your one finger in the lower spine. From the lower spine, the sciatic nerve travels from the lower back to the hips and the buttocks and then downwards towards your legs. Here it gets divided into 2 branches while going towards the knees.



The sciatica treatment is done for a few weeks and this condition will not cause any permanent damage to your legs. If you don't get relief from your pain even after few weeks, then you should see a doctor. Medical attention should be seeked immediately if you have severe pain, weakness, numbness or lose control over your bladder and bowels.

Drugs are administered to control your pain. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)s like the aspirin or the ibuprofen are used fro decreasing the amount of inflammation. But, if the sciatica is a result of the herniated disk, then the NSAIDs will not do any good. You will have to go for some other Sciatica Treatment option.

The other type of sciatica treatment includes physical therapy or an exercise programme for improving your posture and strengthening the back. Physical therapy is the best treatment if your sciatica is due to a herniated disk. Doctors recommend staying active as it has a beneficial effect on the pain rather than taking long periods of bed rest that will just weaken the muscles. The recovery rate from the lower back pain and its functioning can be treated effectively with physical therapy under the doctor's guidance.

In some cases, if the sciatica is a result of irritation of the nerve roots at the lower spine, then cortisone injections are administered in the lower spine. But, if the case is too severe, then it may be essential to undergo a spinal surgery for making enough room in your spinal canal for the nerves in the legs. An operation called Chemonucleolysis is performed wherein an enzyme is injected in the herniated disk for dissolving the leaky soft portion of the disk. Another operation referred as partial disectomy is done by making a small incision in your back for removing that part of the disk that is pressurizing on the nerves. Laminectomy is yet another type of spinal surgery that involves removal of the lamina and some portion of the facet joint to create enough room for the roots of the nerves.

Acupuncture is also used as sciatica treatment. It involves inserting fine needles in your skin at the acupuncture points that sit on the meridians running throughout the body. It is believed that any needling has a good effect on the body. Many people gain relief after going through acupuncture treatments. And remember, if you don't get relief from your pain even after few weeks, then you should consult a doctor.