Treatment Modalities for Sciatica Pain Sciatica pain starts in the sciatica nerve located in the lower back which runs down the back of each leg.
Sciatica refers to pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. The nerve starts in the lower back and runs from your hips to your feet. It controls several muscles in the lower legs and supplies sensation to the foot and majority of the lower leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. The pain starts as mild tingling or burning sensations and can progress to severe and debilitating pain. Up to 40% of people suffer from sciatica during their lives. Leading multispecialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn, NYC, offer effective pain management treatment modalities to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Though sciatica is a common symptom of different medical conditions, an estimated 90 percent of cases are due to herniated (slipped) disk. Some of other disorders that cause this nerve condition include spinal stenosis, tumors within the spine, spondylolisthesis, pelvic injury or fracture, piriformis syndrome and other injuries/infections affecting the spine. While the pain associated with the condition can be severe, most cases resolve in a few weeks with several nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, ice/heat treatment and exercises. On the other hand, people with severe sciatica experience leg weakness or bowel or bladder and may require surgery. Identifying the Symptoms
CALL US! (718) 769-2521
www.hqbk.com
info@hqbk.com
Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the characteristic symptom of sciatica. The pain can vary widely from mild ache to a sharp pain, and get worse when you cough or sneeze. Prolonged sitting can aggravate the pain. Other symptoms include Numbness in the leg along the nerve Burning or tingling sensation (pins and needles) in the feet and toes Hip pain Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot A constant pain on one side of the rear A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain At leading pain management centers in Brooklyn, treatment plans may involve a combination of nonsurgical treatment modalities to reduce nerve pain. Initial diagnosis will begins with a detailed physical and neurological exam to check muscle strength and reflexes. Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan orelectromyography (EMG) may be conducted to identify the source of the pain. Treatment methods include -
✓
Physical therapy – A physical therapy program that incorporates gentle strengthening, stretching, and aerobic exercises is an important component of the treatment plan.
✓
Epidural steroid injections – Injections of corticosteroid medication into the area surrounding the nerve root will suppress inflammation and relieve pain.
✓
Chiropractic care - Chiropractic treatment promotes the body's natural potential to heal itself. A sciatica treatment plan would include spinal manipulation and possibly ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, and TENS.
✓
Medications - Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, aspirin or NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants can reduce chronic low back pain.
✓
Spinal decompression therapy – This decompression therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device.
✓
Pain management with Game Ready® - Combining active compression and cold therapies in one single system, Game Ready helps enhance the tissue healing process.
In most cases, sciatica heals over time and surgery is not required. It is estimated that, with proper rest, about half of people will recover within 6 weeks. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining proper posture when standing, sitting upright, and lifting objects and exercising regularly can help prevent pain in the long run.
CALL US! (718) 769-2521
www.hqbk.com