The painful condition known as sciatica involves the inflammation of the sciatic nerve which originates in the buttocks or lower back and extends down the length of the leg. There are several methods of sciatica pain treatment Conroe patients who continue to struggle with this troubling disorder can consider for relief. The most suitable approach depends on the severity and exact cause of the sciatica.
The underlying cause of mostly all incidences of sciatica is compressed nerve roots. Many patients can recover simply by following a prescribed exercise program combined with simple therapeutic measures such as applying heat and ice. The alternating application of ice or heat for about20 minutes can ease the discomfort and can be reapplied every two hours if desired.
Analgesics can also be effective for reducing suffering, at least temporarily so the patient can continue with regular activities and any exercise program he or she may be prescribed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or oral steroids are sometimes administered to ease inflammation, and in some cases an epidural injection of steroids may be indicated.
Chiropractic adjustments are an alternative form of therapy that may also offer positive results for some sciatica sufferers. This approach focuses on correcting spinal alignment problems which are believed to be responsible for the discomfort. A trained chiropractor applies directed pressure to the affected vertebra, which in turn eliminates the nerve compression.
Other types of alternative healing techniques which may help are massage therapy and acupuncture. The former works by easing muscle tension, improving circulation, and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural analgesics. The latter uses fine needles which are inserted into key energy pathways in the body to restore balance and alleviate suffering.
The majority of patients will experience a full recovery from sciatica in a six to twelve week period. One of the best ways to expedite this natural process is for the patient to undergo a regular physical therapy program that includes a routine of aerobic, stretching, and strengthening exercises for him or her to perform, as inactivity will prolong recovery. Exercising not only speeds up healing, but helps prevent the condition from recurring.
When the sciatic pain persists past twelve weeks, surgery may be considered as a reasonable solution. Normally the surgeon will perform one of two operations: a lumbar laminectomy or a microdiscectomy, depending on the exact cause of the condition. When lumbar spinal stenosis is present, a lumbar laminectomy or "open decompression" will be carried out in which the segment of bone or disc compressing the nerve will be excised. If a herniated disc is to blame, a microdiscectomy will be done to remove the part of the disc responsible for pinching the nerve.
Sciatic surgery is considered to be elective, or based on the patient's decision alone. However, if other approaches have been applied and failed to help the patient, most doctors will recommend surgical intervention. Patients who are in good general health and have become significantly limited by this condition are normally viewed as good candidates for surgery.
The underlying cause of mostly all incidences of sciatica is compressed nerve roots. Many patients can recover simply by following a prescribed exercise program combined with simple therapeutic measures such as applying heat and ice. The alternating application of ice or heat for about20 minutes can ease the discomfort and can be reapplied every two hours if desired.
Analgesics can also be effective for reducing suffering, at least temporarily so the patient can continue with regular activities and any exercise program he or she may be prescribed. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or oral steroids are sometimes administered to ease inflammation, and in some cases an epidural injection of steroids may be indicated.
Chiropractic adjustments are an alternative form of therapy that may also offer positive results for some sciatica sufferers. This approach focuses on correcting spinal alignment problems which are believed to be responsible for the discomfort. A trained chiropractor applies directed pressure to the affected vertebra, which in turn eliminates the nerve compression.
Other types of alternative healing techniques which may help are massage therapy and acupuncture. The former works by easing muscle tension, improving circulation, and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural analgesics. The latter uses fine needles which are inserted into key energy pathways in the body to restore balance and alleviate suffering.
The majority of patients will experience a full recovery from sciatica in a six to twelve week period. One of the best ways to expedite this natural process is for the patient to undergo a regular physical therapy program that includes a routine of aerobic, stretching, and strengthening exercises for him or her to perform, as inactivity will prolong recovery. Exercising not only speeds up healing, but helps prevent the condition from recurring.
When the sciatic pain persists past twelve weeks, surgery may be considered as a reasonable solution. Normally the surgeon will perform one of two operations: a lumbar laminectomy or a microdiscectomy, depending on the exact cause of the condition. When lumbar spinal stenosis is present, a lumbar laminectomy or "open decompression" will be carried out in which the segment of bone or disc compressing the nerve will be excised. If a herniated disc is to blame, a microdiscectomy will be done to remove the part of the disc responsible for pinching the nerve.
Sciatic surgery is considered to be elective, or based on the patient's decision alone. However, if other approaches have been applied and failed to help the patient, most doctors will recommend surgical intervention. Patients who are in good general health and have become significantly limited by this condition are normally viewed as good candidates for surgery.
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