Sciatica Pain
Relief
Sciatica pain can be difficult to live with,
affecting every area of a sufferers day-to-day
life. There are several options for sciatica
pain relief;it can be managed with sciatica
home treatments, such as hot and cold therapy
and exercise. Sciatica pain can also be managed
using medication. In severe cases, sciatica
pain can be alleviated or managed with surgery.
In the past, bed rest was often recommended
for patients suffering from sciatica pain.
Now, however, doctors and physical therapists
alike are advising against this practice.
Instead, a regular gentle exercise program
is recommended. Targeted stretching exercises,
such as yoga techniques, can also be used
to help alleviate sciatica pain. Sciatica
pain relief can also be obtained using hot
and cold therapy at home. Applying ice packs
to the affected area provides pain relief.
Alternating with heat gives the affected muscles
a chance to relax, relieving pressure on the
compressed nerve and easing the pain the sufferer
feels.
Medication
is also an option for sciatica pain relief.
Sciatica pain is best treated with an anti-inflammatory
drug such as ibuprofen or codeine. In severe
cases, cortisone shots can be administered
for temporary pain relief. Sufferers should
keep in mind, however, that these drugs only
alleviate the pain. They do not heal the underlying
problem.
In severe cases, sciatica sufferers can obtain
relief from surgery. If sciatica is being
caused by a spinal injury, such as a slipped
or herniated disc, surgery can alleviate the
back injury, and therefore the pressure on
the sciatic nerve. If you are experiencing
chronic sciatic pain, talk to your doctor
about what options might be right for you.
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