Nonsurgical Treatments to Ease Sciatica Pain

Nonsurgical Treatments to Ease Sciatica Pain Sciatica treatment can provide long-term relief from sciatica pain, allowing patients to return to their normal activities.

Sciatica is a pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica treatment in Brooklyn, NYC involves the use of nonsurgical modalities to treat the condition.

Typically, this condition affects only one side of your body. It occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve, causing inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg. The pain associated with sciatica can be severe; however, most cases can be resolved with non-surgical treatments in a few weeks.

Symptoms of Sciatica The following symptoms are an indication that you are suffering from sciatica: Lower back pain Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sitting Hip pain Burning or tingling down the leg Weakness, numbness, or difficulty in moving the leg or foot A constant pain on one side of the rear A shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up Non-surgical Treatment for Sciatica Physical and neurological exams are used to diagnose the condition. Imaging tests such as x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to visualize the tissues and better understand the origin of the pain. Based on the outcome, the physician will develop a customized treatment plan for the patient. Non-surgical modalities used in Brooklyn healthcare centers to treat sciatica pain include Physical therapy – Strengthening, stretching, and aerobic conditioning are a central component of almost any treatment for sciatica. In addition, other physical therapy program includes massage and myofascial release, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens), ice or heat therapy, ultrasound, traction and rehabilitation.

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) - These injections deliver steroids directly to the area around the sciatic nerve roots to reduce the inflammation. ESI may also include a saline solution to clear out inflammatory proteins from the area that may be worsening the pain.

Oral medications – This include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin or NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants for chronic low back pain and prescription pain medications for more severe pain.

Spinal decompression therapy – This therapy involves stretching of the spine using a traction table or similar motorized device.

Pain management with Game ReadyÂŽ - This modality features cold therapy and intermittent compression for all types of injuries and surgical recoveries. Its flexible wraps fit comfortably and target cold therapy to the entire affected area with intermittent pneumatic compression.

Professional pain management centers have a team of experienced healthcare professionals who will diagnose your condition and develop a customized treatment plan that incorporates a variety of noninvasive modalities. Treatment at a reliable healthcare center can provide relief from pain and put you on the path to health and wellbeing.