Anyone who has ever experienced pain caused by sciatica usually learns to recognize and avoid some of the determining factors that can trigger the pain. These factors include such things as sitting or standing for extended periods of time, being too stressed or tired, or picking up items which may be too heavy. The good news: most cases of sciatica resolve themselves in a few days or possibly weeks. The vast majority of cases heal within six to twelve weeks. However, because sciatica is caused not only by normal aging and day-to-day wear and tear on the body but also genetics or stress and trauma to the back, the pain is not always something that can be avoided, so treatment is available.

The typical first course of action is to take over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. In combination with alternating hot and cold presses and various stretching exercises, this approach is usually enough to keep reoccurrences to a minimum. In case where these simple techniques don’t work, a physician may suggest that you see a physical therapist. Physical therapy may help correct posture, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility. Plus, most talented physical therapists know where the pressure points are that relieve crowding of the sciatic nerve.

If the pain becomes unmanageable or beyond the remedies already mentioned, there are more aggressive treatments available. An injection of corticosteroid medication into the area can relieve the pain by suppressing inflammation around the irritated nerve. However this is a short-term remedy because long-term use of steroids can cause side effects, such as excess sweating, stomach ulcers, and loss of bone density. The number of injections is usually limited to three per year. Surgery is also an option, but it is usually reserved for cases where the legs have become weak or numb, or where bladder or bowel incontinence is involved. Surgery may also be recommended if the pain progressively worsens and other therapies are ineffective. Fortunately, sciatica is a common problem, and therefore many solutions have been discovered that don’t include surgery.

Sciatica Caused by Back Stress ¦ Sciatica Back Pain ¦ Sciatica Symptoms ¦ Sciatica Prevention ¦ Ways to Get Relief from Sciatica