How to Treat Siatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve runs down the entire leg. It is rooted at the base of the spinal cord. People usually feel pain or sciatica at this point. The pain and tingling seems to travel down the leg. When treating such a pain, you must first find out what is causing the pain. The sources can be medical or nonmedical, like sitting in an uncomfortable seat much longer than you should. Once the cause is found, then treatment can begin.
Instructions
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Go to the doctor to find the medical underlying cause of your sciatic nerve pain. Contrary to belief, sciatica is not an independent illness. It is only one symptom listed for many conditions including pregnancy, herniated discs, diabetes, etc. Once the underlying cause is treated, the sciatica will disappear.
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Undergo surgery if a damaged disc is causing the problem. Your doctor may recommend surgery after trying other treatments, depending on the severity of your problem. The surgery is called a laminectomy and involves removing part of the vertebrae in order to relieve the pressure on the disc. This also relieves the sciatic nerve.
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Consult a chiropractor. Sometimes the cause of sciatica is a misaligned spine. The chiropractor can relieve the pain of such a condition without drugs. Chiropractors manipulate the spine to get it back to the proper position. They also use tools like ultrasound, TENS units and ice therapy to treat sciatica.
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Examine your environment and your routine. If your problem isn't medical, then something in your environment is aggravating the nerve. For example, check your mattress, chairs and other seats for misplaced springs. Look at your routine. Do you put your keys or wallet into your pocket and sit on them throughout the day? Also, watch your movements. Folding your legs for an extended period may also cause pain in the sciatic nerve.
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Use home remedies. Sciatica caused by an underlying condition may take some time to cure. While waiting for the major illness to be treated, ask your doctor if you can use over-the-counter pain medication, ice packs or heat pads to treat the pain from the sciatica.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not try any treatment without first consulting your doctor. Sciatica can become a very serious condition if mistreated with, for example, exercises or herbal remedies.
