Sciatica is a term used to describe a number of related symptoms that originate from the lower part of the back to the distal posterior region of the leg. The patient often complains of pain, tingling, numbness or weakness anywhere along the mentioned regions of the body. These characteristics are typical of underlying conditions including spinal stenosis and degenerative spine disease. This forms special background information for sciatica treatment Marina Del Rey people need to know.
The characteristics of sciatic pain may vary from patient to patient. Some may complain of pain when sitting down or walking while some may be completely impaired due to constant discomfort. Even though the condition can be crippling to the patient, it hardly causes irreversible nerve destruction. Moreover, it commonly affects only one limb at a time.
The treatment of sciatica depends on the presenting complaints, its severity and duration. It also depends on the underlying cause. Therefore further investigations such as imaging may not to be done. One of the common causes is herniation of a disc. This means that it has been moved away from its normal position thus causing nerve compression. In this case, surgery is imperative to return the disc to its rightful place.
Drugs appropriate for treating the condition include over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin and so forth. Aspirin should however not be used in patients under the age of eighteen as this may cause Reyes syndrome. Alternatively, muscle relaxants can be used to control spasms. Prescription drugs can only be used if the pain is unbearable.
Physical therapy when done properly can be very effective in managing this condition. While the pain itself may discourage one from movement, bed rest is not recommended. Adjusting to certain positions regularly may actually minimize the pain or even eradicate it. One should preferably work with a physiotherapist to get the right directions with regard to movement.
Scientifically unproven methods may be explored though with great caution. Some of these alternatives include acupuncture and biofeedback. The latter is a more technical way of restoring balance of systems within the body compared to acupuncture which only uses small needles to apply appropriate pressure on certain surfaces of the body.
Based on causation and duration of complaints, the outlook on the condition may vary from poor to excellent. Avoidable risk factors such as trauma to the lower back should be considered as preventive measures. Otherwise, with poor prognosis one may have to live with the pain and manage chronically. In such cases, a group of drugs known as antidepressants may be utilized. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant is a medication that is commonly used.
In summary, we have learnt that physical therapy may be incorporated to the medical plan of treatment as it is vital in recovery of the patient. Also, even though there are many treatment options, it is advisable to consult a medical professional to determine the most appropriate for a given patient. Getting to know about the symptoms, causes and risk factors plays a major role towards finding the right treatment for persons concerned.
The characteristics of sciatic pain may vary from patient to patient. Some may complain of pain when sitting down or walking while some may be completely impaired due to constant discomfort. Even though the condition can be crippling to the patient, it hardly causes irreversible nerve destruction. Moreover, it commonly affects only one limb at a time.
The treatment of sciatica depends on the presenting complaints, its severity and duration. It also depends on the underlying cause. Therefore further investigations such as imaging may not to be done. One of the common causes is herniation of a disc. This means that it has been moved away from its normal position thus causing nerve compression. In this case, surgery is imperative to return the disc to its rightful place.
Drugs appropriate for treating the condition include over the counter pain killers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin and so forth. Aspirin should however not be used in patients under the age of eighteen as this may cause Reyes syndrome. Alternatively, muscle relaxants can be used to control spasms. Prescription drugs can only be used if the pain is unbearable.
Physical therapy when done properly can be very effective in managing this condition. While the pain itself may discourage one from movement, bed rest is not recommended. Adjusting to certain positions regularly may actually minimize the pain or even eradicate it. One should preferably work with a physiotherapist to get the right directions with regard to movement.
Scientifically unproven methods may be explored though with great caution. Some of these alternatives include acupuncture and biofeedback. The latter is a more technical way of restoring balance of systems within the body compared to acupuncture which only uses small needles to apply appropriate pressure on certain surfaces of the body.
Based on causation and duration of complaints, the outlook on the condition may vary from poor to excellent. Avoidable risk factors such as trauma to the lower back should be considered as preventive measures. Otherwise, with poor prognosis one may have to live with the pain and manage chronically. In such cases, a group of drugs known as antidepressants may be utilized. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant is a medication that is commonly used.
In summary, we have learnt that physical therapy may be incorporated to the medical plan of treatment as it is vital in recovery of the patient. Also, even though there are many treatment options, it is advisable to consult a medical professional to determine the most appropriate for a given patient. Getting to know about the symptoms, causes and risk factors plays a major role towards finding the right treatment for persons concerned.
About the Author:
Read more about Essentials On Sciatica Treatment Marina Del Rey Residents May Should Know.
0 comments:
Post a Comment