The sciatic nerve is a nerve that starts from the spinal column to the exit point in the pelvis and has nerve fibers to the leg. Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is pressed by a herniated or ruptured disc. There are many different remedies available to patients. Do these remedies really work?

Hot and Cold Compress with bed rest

When one uses hot and cold compress, it allows reduction of pain and inflammation. Usually, cold compress is applied to the area for around 20 minutes a day and after three days the area is subjected to a hot compress. Bed rest will relax the individual and help the individual build up his/her energy. But Finnish study has shown bad effects of too much bed rest. Individuals who did not avail of bed rest had better back flexibility than those who had bed rest. In fact, those who had bed rest became depressed, had blood in their legs and had decreased muscle tone. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should resume normal activities after a good night’s rest.

Medications

Once people feel pain, they immediately resort to taking medications to ease the pain. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication because you might suffer side effects such as drowsiness and liver damage. Self-medicating can also lead to conflict with other medications. Take note that these types of medications are not advisable for pregnant women. Doctors usually prescribe opioids, antidepressants, pain medicines, counterirritants, and anticonvulsants.

Pain medicine reduces stiffness and inflammation. Counterirritants are applied to the skin so that the nerve endings of the skin can feel warm or cold. Some doctors prescribe anticonvulsants, these drugs are used to treat seizures and nerve pain. Antidepressants change the levels of chemicals in the brain that control mood and pain signals. It will help patients get a good nights rest.

Opioids are powerful and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. The supervision of the doctor is needed because of its effects such as drowsiness, potential for addiction and impaired judgment. This is usually used to help treat acute and chronic back pain.

Physical Therapy

While taking those treatments, some patients hire physical therapists to help them build endurance and stability. This can include aerobics and riding bicycles. Physical therapy is needed when a patient undergoes surgery.

Surgery

Surgery is the last resort to treat Sciatica pain. Some patients need only local anesthesia while there are others that need to be hospitalized. The healing process takes a very long time and some patients suffer loss of flexibility. Back surgeries do not always end up successful. Candidates for back surgery include patients who have damaged peripheral nerves and progressive neurologic disease.