Sciatic nerve pain is a common condition experienced by many people nowadays.
The lack of exercise and physical activity are blamed as one of the various reasons why a lot of individuals complain about this condition recently.
Sciatica, as it is commonly referred to, is manifested by a radiating, shooting pain that may run from the patient's lower back all the way down to his or her legs.
Although the pain may only affect one leg at a time, it can cause great discomfort and in more severe cases, even usual daily tasks may prove to be difficult to perform.
Sciatic nerve pain may be caused by one or more internal conditions.
Basically, without proper exercise and muscle stretching, the muscles that surround the sciatic nerve may compress on the nerve itself, thus irritating it.
An injury or damage in the bones, particularly the spine, that surround the nerve may also cause irritation and inflammation.
If the sciatic nerve which is the largest single nerve in the body is irritated or inflamed, it can cause what is known as sciatica or sciatic pain.
As mentioned, sciatica is a very common condition among many individuals.
Thus, several treatments and cures have already been discovered and proven to provide relief from sciatica nerve pain.
These treatments may be surgical or non-surgical.
Meanwhile, alternative treatments may also be chosen by patients.
In order to treat sciatica, the cause of the pain should first be determined especially if the symptoms are already severe and recurring.
Typically, the patient will need to undergo various tests and physical examinations.
For instance, a medical practitioner may require an X-Ray, MRI, CT scan or electromyogram report to determine if the spine itself is damaged or if the pain is mainly caused by weakened or tightened muscles.
These tests will help in planning a treatment scheme for the condition.
For not so serious conditions, bed rest may be initially suggested.
However, the patient should not do this for more than a day or two because lack of physical activity may just worsen the condition.
The doctor would most probably prescribe non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, too.
Moreover, hot or cold compress and pads may be suggested for use as well.
Proper and adequate exercise and stretching is also recommended to patients of sciatica.
The doctor might also give tips on how one can keep proper posture.
If these common treatments are followed and administered in the earlier stages of the condition, it is possible that it will not get worse to the point that it already affects the patient's day to day activities.
For more serious conditions, the administration of corticosteroids and opiate based medications may be suggested.
Direct injection of epidurals is another option.
Ultimately, if the spine itself is already damaged or injured in one way or another, surgery may be opted for, too.
Alternative treatments are also patronized by those who believe that the body can heal on its own as long as it gets the little help and prompting that it needs.
Yoga, acupuncture and massage are the most popular alternative sciatica nerve pain treatment chosen by many patients nowadays.
The lack of exercise and physical activity are blamed as one of the various reasons why a lot of individuals complain about this condition recently.
Sciatica, as it is commonly referred to, is manifested by a radiating, shooting pain that may run from the patient's lower back all the way down to his or her legs.
Although the pain may only affect one leg at a time, it can cause great discomfort and in more severe cases, even usual daily tasks may prove to be difficult to perform.
Sciatic nerve pain may be caused by one or more internal conditions.
Basically, without proper exercise and muscle stretching, the muscles that surround the sciatic nerve may compress on the nerve itself, thus irritating it.
An injury or damage in the bones, particularly the spine, that surround the nerve may also cause irritation and inflammation.
If the sciatic nerve which is the largest single nerve in the body is irritated or inflamed, it can cause what is known as sciatica or sciatic pain.
As mentioned, sciatica is a very common condition among many individuals.
Thus, several treatments and cures have already been discovered and proven to provide relief from sciatica nerve pain.
These treatments may be surgical or non-surgical.
Meanwhile, alternative treatments may also be chosen by patients.
In order to treat sciatica, the cause of the pain should first be determined especially if the symptoms are already severe and recurring.
Typically, the patient will need to undergo various tests and physical examinations.
For instance, a medical practitioner may require an X-Ray, MRI, CT scan or electromyogram report to determine if the spine itself is damaged or if the pain is mainly caused by weakened or tightened muscles.
These tests will help in planning a treatment scheme for the condition.
For not so serious conditions, bed rest may be initially suggested.
However, the patient should not do this for more than a day or two because lack of physical activity may just worsen the condition.
The doctor would most probably prescribe non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, too.
Moreover, hot or cold compress and pads may be suggested for use as well.
Proper and adequate exercise and stretching is also recommended to patients of sciatica.
The doctor might also give tips on how one can keep proper posture.
If these common treatments are followed and administered in the earlier stages of the condition, it is possible that it will not get worse to the point that it already affects the patient's day to day activities.
For more serious conditions, the administration of corticosteroids and opiate based medications may be suggested.
Direct injection of epidurals is another option.
Ultimately, if the spine itself is already damaged or injured in one way or another, surgery may be opted for, too.
Alternative treatments are also patronized by those who believe that the body can heal on its own as long as it gets the little help and prompting that it needs.
Yoga, acupuncture and massage are the most popular alternative sciatica nerve pain treatment chosen by many patients nowadays.