What is Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is pain that is caused by a herniated disk in the lumbar region of the spine. It is a painful condition that may involve the legs or buttocks. It can be severe enough to affect the movement of the affected leg.

Typically, a person with sciatica will experience a burning or sharp pain that is worse with standing, walking, or sitting. It may also be accompanied by numbness in the leg. If the tingling is severe, a person with sciatica should seek medical advice.
A spinal X-ray can be used to look for herniated discs or fractures. It can also be used to determine if the sciatic nerve is compressed. If the problem is serious, a doctor may recommend surgery. This procedure involves removing the herniated disc. Alternatively, a patient can receive a lumbar laminectomy, a surgery that widens the spine.

Physical therapy is another option. A physical therapist can work with a patient to design a program that includes stretching and aerobic exercises. Depending on the sciatica nerve pain symptoms, a person's therapist will prescribe other treatments, such as acupuncture or steroid injections. If a patient has ongoing nerve pain, a neurologist or pain specialist should be consulted.

A hot or cold compress can be applied to the area of the lower back that is affected by sciatica. This can be done several times a day. If the pain is limiting an individual's activity, a physical therapist can provide a program that involves strengthening and bending exercises. A hot pack can be applied for 20 minutes at a time. If a cold pack is too uncomfortable, a frozen bag of vegetables can be wrapped in a towel to help reduce the swelling.

If the condition is mild, a person can use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen. NSAIDs, which are prescribed for a variety of conditions, can also be used to relieve sciatica symptoms. For more intense symptoms, a doctor may prescribe other types of painkillers. Generally, a doctor will only consider surgical treatment for severe cases.

If you are suffering from sciatica, you should be careful not to overreact. In many cases, the pain will get better on its own. However, if the pain is persistent, a neurologist or pain practitioner may recommend a more aggressive approach. A person with sciatica should also avoid heavy lifting or physical activities that cause the pain to increase. Fortunately, most patients recover without treatment.

If a patient's symptoms don't respond to over-the-counter medications for sciatic nerve pain, a doctor can perform tests. These tests include blood tests, x-rays, and imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These tests can identify whether the sciatic nerve is involved. The MRI can also look for bone spurs or tumors that may be pressing on the nerve.

The goal of sciatica treatment is to control the pain and increase mobility. The therapist will usually focus on reducing inflammation and preventing complications. For acute symptoms, a neurologist or pain physician may prescribe medication and exercises. If the pain is chronic, a neurologist or pain expert may recommend more intensive treatments such as steroid injections.