Sciatica Treatment	Print this article   Email this article    Digg this article

Before considering any type of treatment for sciatica, it is imperative that you attain an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.  

Sciatica treatment is ultimately directed at the following:

1. Reducing/eliminating nerve root pressure/irritation.
2. Reducing/controlling the associated inflammation.

Oftentimes, surgery can be avoided by undertaking a comprehensive approach or holistic approach in treating the cause or causes of your sciatic nerve pain.  A non-surgical, comprehensive approach should include addressing:

1. Areas of spinal or extremity joint dysfunction that may contribute to compensatory stress/irritation on the lumbar spinal joints and muscles.  For example, even if you have a disk herniation, abnormal spinal joint function can lead to muscle tightness/muscle spasm in the low back area which ultimately affects the lumbar spine disks.
2. Muscle strength and flexibility of the legs, pelvis and back. For example, excessively tight hip flexor muscles can adversely affect the pelvis creating stress and irritation on the lumbar spine disks.
3. Inflammation.  Typically, your body tends to "over-react" and produce excessive biochemicals of inflammation when you have an injury.  Although inflammation is part of healing, it is critical to prevent the inflammation from becoming excessive or chronic.

Manual manipulation is the best way to address the areas of spinal and extremity joint dysfunction. A specific exercise program is necessary to strengthen weak muscles.  Stretching should be part of the exercise program to address over tight muscles.  Lastly, the inflammation can be controlled through a healthy diet and proper nutritional supplementation.  

Unfortunately, in some cases of sciatica, surgery such as, microdiscectomy or lumbar discectomy is necessary to remove the portion of the disc that is "pinching" or irritating the nerve root. Usually, a trial of epidural steroid injections is attempted prior to surgery.

It is important to realize though, even if you undergo surgery, some, if not all, of the treatment outlined above may be necessary to prevent future sciatica symptoms and prevent other neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions. 

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