Sciatica

However, many cases of Sciatica are relieved in a few weeks with proper pain treatment and oversight.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica usually occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched. Some people with diabetes also develop sciatica as the disease damages nerves. Sciatica pain can be anywhere in the area of the sciatic nerve. Usually, the pain follows a path starting from the lower back to the buttocks and the backside of the thighs and calf. 

The intensity of the pain can vary from mild pain to shooting and burning pain. Sometimes the pain can also feel like an electric shock or a jolt in the affected area. While pain is present as a result of this condition, coughing, sitting, or sneezing can cause more pain. Sciatica is usually experienced on one side of the body. Some people also feel numbness, muscle weakness, or tingling in the foot or leg. 

Treatments for Sciatica

The specialists at Monarch Pain Management can relieve sciatica pain, typically within several weeks of targeted treatment that may include one or more of the following:  

• Medications: The types of drugs that might be used to treat sciatica pain include:

• • Anti-inflammatories
  • Corticosteroids
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Opioids (only under direct and close physician supervision)
• Physical Therapy: Once the pain improves, Dr. Przybysz may recommend a physical therapist who will develop a program to help prevent future sciatica pain. This typically includes exercises to correct posture and strengthen the core muscles. Correct posture is important to help prevent and alleviate sciatica pain as is regular exercise.
• Steroid injections: In some cases, a shot of a corticosteroid medication into the area around the nerve root that’s causing pain can help. Often, one injection helps reduce pain. Up to three can be given in one year.
• Nerve block: An anti-inflammatory and anesthetic injection administered at a specific area or nerve and a group of nerves for pain management. 
• Surgery: As a last resort, Dr. Przybysz may recommend you to a qualified surgeon who can remove the bone spur or the portion of a herniated disk that is pressing on the sciatic nerve.  Surgery is usually done only when sciatica causes severe weakness, bowel or bladder control loss, or pain that doesn’t improve with other treatments.

Preventing Sciatica

Sciatica can be painful and can return even after you think you’ve treated it. We recommend a few things you can do to help prevent and treat Sciatica.

• Exercise Regularly: Moderate daily exercise including walking and strength exercises can help you keep your back strong and maintain the strength of your core and lower back muscles, which are responsible for maintaining good posture and alignment. 
• Maintain Proper Posture When Sitting: So many people sit for long periods of time at desks and in front of computers for work. Prolonged sitting can negatively affect the back. When sitting for long periods of time, choose a chair with good lower back support and sit upright with good posture. This can help prevent sciatica from flaring up.
• Use Your Body in the Right Way: If you’re standing for a long time, for example, take regular breaks and rest one leg on a stool. This can help relieve the stress on your sciatic nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Address Your Sciatica Pain Today

The specialists at Monarch Pain Management understand that sciatica pain can be debilitating and keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Seeking help from Dr. Przybysz at Monarch Pain Management can help you conquer your back pain. We’ll work with you to create a customized treatment plan that is right for you.

Connect with us now to book an appointment and begin reclaiming your life with less pain.