Sciatica is a common form of back pain and/or by peripheral nerve entrapments The classical definition of Sciatica refers to pain along the large sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back and down the back of your leg.
Fortunately, about 80 to 90 percent of patients with sciatica get better, over time, without surgery. There are many different conservative sciatica remedies people can practice at home that will help relieve the pain of sciatica. Some of these sciatica remedies include:
Rest...Take it easy. Rest your back in bed for no longer than two days. Then, gradually return to your everyday activities. It may be difficult, but if you stay in bed too long, it may prove counterproductive and cause more damage to the sciatic nerve.
Over-the-Counter Medication: Drugs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), aspirin (Excedrin, Bufferin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may offer temporary relief. These sciatica remedies can be found in your local drug store, and you should look into all natural pain relief remedies as well.
Physical Therapy: Your doctor may recommend you visit a physical therapist to find sciatica pain relief. Out of all the conservative sciatica remedies, this one may be the most effective because it offers long-term results. However, do not expect overnight miracles. Physical therapy requires commitment and time in order to see results. But, the results will be worth it
Cold & Heat: Cold and heat are simple sciatica remedies. Simply place an ice pack on the areas that hurt to reduce pain and inflammation. After 48 hours, alternate the cold with heat for more pain relief.
Aggressive Sciatica Remedies:If conservative sciatica pain remedies are not successful, or the pain is excruciating, your doctor may suggest you try more aggressive forms of sciatica remedies. Epidural steroid injections are sometimes used in the affected area. Your doctor may inject corticosteroid medication into the nerve to reduce inflammation, consequently eliminating pressure and pain.
Surgery: such as diskectomy or microdiskectomy, is usually performed if the compressed nerve causes severe weakness and pain or bladder or bowel incontinence.
Talk to your doctor about the various sciatica remedies and which may work best for you. If surgery is an option, try not to agonize too much. The success rates are high for surgical sciatica remedies. Visit Scatica.org for more information about sciatica remedies.
