When you are faced with pain from your lower back radiating down your legs caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve relief of any kind is welcome. Help at times like these can come from several different sources. Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen can be useful when used along with ice and heat to relieve pain and swelling. Other medical help can come in the form of both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Most often surgery is not necessary and pain relief medications are a more appropriate choice. There are times when stronger prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs might be necessary to deal with sciatica and other lower back pain. In extreme cases stronger pain killers including codeine might be necessary. These medications can be habit forming and should only be taken under a Doctors close supervision. Muscle relaxers which have the desired effect of relieving tension in your muscles should also be taken with care because of their tendency to make you excessively drowsy putting you at risk when driving or operating machinery.
Among the most effective long term treatment with the fewest possible negative side effects is a regular stretching and exercise program. A firm foundation of strong muscles in our backs and legs built up through exercise provide the best support for our bodies and the best chance to limit the amount of stress placed on the sciatic nerve through overworked muscles. Surgery is usually saved to be used as a last resort when other treatments are not effective. Conditions such as herniated discs can cause sciatic pain and is one time your doctor might recommend a surgical solution to remove the cause of the nerve compression.
Another condition associated with sciatic pain is spinal stenosis, which is another form of nerve compression and might require surgery to correct. The surgery to correct this condition is called a lumbar laminectomy and involves removing some bone to allow for more space for the nerves passing out from the spinal column. Under other conditions the best option for relief is a discectomy which calls for the removal of the disc that is causing the pain. The compression which causes the nerve pain is relieved once the disc is removed allowing more space for the nerve.
Spinal fusion is one of the most radical treatments for sciatica and involves fusing vertebrae in the spine to one another to bring relief from the pain caused by nerve compression. This procedure is done as a last resort when long term injury or osteoporosis makes it a viable option. This type of surgery has the drawback of leaving the subject of the operation with limited movement within their spine.
Considering how many possible physical, medical and surgical treatments are available each case is as different as the individual person suffering from sciatica. Each case requires an individual treatment tailored for that person. Our health care professional should always be consulted as a first stop on the road to relief.