How is sciatica treated? Main treatments

Sciatica is a common pathology caused by a pinch in the sciatic nerve. It can often cause severe pain that limits daily activities. It is important to go to a specialist, if pain appears, who will prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

All about sciatica and its main causes

Sciatica is an injury caused by pinching or crushing of the sciatic nerve along its path, from the lumbar area to the sole of the foot.

The causes of sciatica are related to injuries to the sciatic nerve. These injuries are usually related to injuries to the pelvis, herniated discs, tumors or spinal stenosis, that is, the narrowing of the spinal canal.

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In any of these cases, the injury produces pressure on the sciatic nerve that manifests itself in the form of sciatica. In the case of herniated discs, the displaced disc often puts pressure on the nerve, the same thing happens with tumors.

Symptoms of sciatica

The symptoms of sciatica are usually easy to identify since the most common are: sensation of tingling or numbness in the legs, and intense pain localized in that area.

At other times, the joint may be stiff or weak. As well as, presenting numbness or pain to the touch.

Diagnosis of sciatica

In the presence of pain in the area or tingling, it is important to go to a specialist to identify the symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Usually, the first thing is to perform a physical examination, which can provide clues about the presence of an injury. After this, diagnostic imaging tests are usually performed. For example: x-rays, MRIs or tomography scans, which can provide information about the growth of bone spurs or disc displacements, which may be putting pressure on the nerve.

In some cases, electromyography is also performed. This test measures the response of the muscles to electrical impulses from the nerves and can confirm the injury.

How to treat sciatica effectively?

Treating sciatica in time is essential to prevent the pain from becoming chronic and, therefore, limiting the patient's mobility and quality of life.

Treatments for sciatica are usually effective and present good results. Regardless of the treatment applied, the objective is always that the pain decreases or disappears and does not represent a limitation in the patient's daily activities.

Treatments for sciatica are divided into three groups: non-surgical treatments, alternative treatments and surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments for sciatica

After a diagnosis of sciatica, the doctor usually recommends first applying heat and ice to the area to reduce inflammation. Normally, it is usually completed with a treatment of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, with the aim of making the pain disappear.

In some cases, lumbar injections of corticosteroids are applied, which aim to reduce the inflammation around the irritated nerve, in this way the corticosteroids are injected directly into the affected area. These injections usually offer good short-term results, but their long-term effects are in question.

Alternative treatments for sciatica

As for the alternative treatments to alleviate sciatica, the most common is physiotherapy, which through manual massages can reduce inflammation in the area adjacent to the sciatic nerve. One of the most used physiotherapy techniques for the treatment of this pathology is massage therapy, which treats trigger points and massages the connective tissue.

Chiropractic can also alleviate pain, since repositioning of the spine and specific spinal adjustments can eliminate pressure on the sciatic nerve.

In some cases, acupuncture is also performed in the affected area, in this case, very fine needles are applied to the affected area, which, by stimulating the nerve, achieve an analgesic effect.

Another treatment that is currently being used to treat sciatica is blocking techniques using radiofrequency or spinal infiltration, allowing this lumbar radiofrequency to stop the pain. This practice is performed in the operating room and special needles are used, which alter some nerve points with electrical pulses, with the aim of blocking the transmission of nerve pain signals.

Treat sciatica through surgery

In severe cases, where the patient suffers from chronic disabling pain or has lost control of the bladder or bowels, sciatica can be treated through surgery.

These surgeries usually involve removing the element that is pressing on the sciatic nerve, whether it is the bone spur or the displaced disc.

Differences between sciatica and low back pain, how to differentiate them

Lower back pain, known as lumbago, is often confused with sciatica. It's important to know how to differentiate between the two or to consult a specialist when unsure, so you can find the best possible treatment.

Key symptoms to identify sciatica

Sciatic pain, or "sciatica," generally manifests as pain radiating from the lower back down the leg, and may also include slight tingling or muscle weakness.

Sciatic pain caused by a pinched or entrapment of the sciatic nerve is usually quite intense in its initial or acute phase.

When to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis

In any case, when the pain is very acute or symptoms such as loss of sensation, muscle weakness or even incontinence appear, it is very important go to a specialist In this case, our trusted physician can confirm the diagnosis with additional imaging tests and specialized physical examinations.

Guidelines to prevent sciatica

Sciatica cannot be prevented directly, but there are certain factors that can delay or prevent its onset. Some of them are:

• Maintain good postural hygiene, avoiding forced positions for the back.
• Control body weight, since in cases of overweight there is a greater risk of suffering from herniated discs, because the pressure on the intervertebral discs will be greater.
• Perform moderate, low-impact exercise and avoid long periods of sedentary lifestyle.
• Avoid exercises that may put extra strain on your back, such as lifting heavy objects.

As has been seen, there are different treatments to treat pinched sciatic nerve, in all cases early detection is a key factor for the disappearance of pain and obtaining good results during the recovery process.