Over 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can strike anywhere between the skull and the sacrum. For low back pain associated with sciatica, certain treatments are more effective than others.

What is Sciatica? -

Sciatica is pain that affects the sciatic nerve. This large nerve runs from the low back, beginning at spinal nerves L3 and L4, all the way down the leg to the foot. It is the longest and largest single nerve in the body.

The nerve runs down into the pelvic bowl and through a muscle called the piriformis. Sometimes if the muscle is entrapped within the piriformis muscle it presents similar pain patterns to sciatica, but the condition is different.

Sciatica results from compression of the nerve due to disc degeneration or herniation or spodylolisthesis, a roughening or misalignment of the vertebrae.

The Same Condition Looks Different in Each Person -

Although there are some commonalities between patients with sciatica, there are also a lot of differences. To diagnose the condition, patients are asked to perform a number of strength tests, mobility challenges and possibly imaging studies.

Imaging studies sometimes indicate that the sciatica is a result of pressure placed upon the nerve by a herniated disc, but 85% of sciatica has a different root cause. Once a diagnosis of sciatica is made there are a variety of treatments that can help reduce pain and potentially eliminate the problem.

Treating Sciatica to Eliminate Back Pain -

When sciatica is caused by disc rupture, 90% of cases need no significant intervention to resolve. If the source of the problem is epidural abscess, cauda equina syndrome or an epidural tumor than immediate measures must be taken.

Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or other NSAIDs work well to reduce the inflammation in the nerve. For those patients suffering with large amounts of pain, a narcotic may be prescribed.

Physical therapy and stretching exercises are very effective in reducing pain, increasing mobility and preventing muscular atrophy as the nerve heals.

Other treatments include epidural injections of various pain medications, massage therapy and non-surgical spinal decompression.

Surgery is only considered in the most severe circumstances. While studies show that surgical relief of sciatica produces almost instantaneous results, over the course of two years there is nearly no difference in satisfaction when compared to non surgical approaches. Considering the risks involved with any surgery, it is best kept as a treatment of last resort.

Back Pain Resolved -

When a patient suffers from sciatica, postural changes made to accommodate the injured nerve often lead to low back pain. Fortunately, once the sciatica is resolved the low back pain often disappears as well.

The same stretching and strengthening exercises that help take the spinal load off the irritated sciatic nerve serve the lower back well too. A core of stronger muscles in both the abdomen and the back help prevent any other back injuries.

If you suffer from lower back pain that includes symptoms of pain and numbness down one leg, you may have sciatica. Consult with your primary care physician or chiropractor to be properly diagnosed.

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