If you or a loved one is suffering from sciatica, you are probably wondering how to treat sciatica and manage the uncomfortable symptoms that are often associated with this spinal condition. The good news is that many patients find relief from a compressed sciatic nerve with the aid of conservative and alternative treatments.
Conservative Treatments
Once a doctor or back specialist has confirmed that the pain, weakness, and numbness experienced in the leg and/or buttock is caused by sciatica, a patient will typically be prescribed one or more of the following conservative treatments:
- Pain medication (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroidal spine injections
- Hot and/or cold compresses
- Moderate exercise
- Weight management techniques
Any drug, exercise, or diet regimen should only be followed under a doctor’s supervision to minimize the risk for serious complications.
Alternative Treatments
While many patients benefit from the conservative treatments listed above, others seek alternative medicine to aid them in relieving their sciatic symptoms. Acupuncture, which utilizes the insertion of small needles into the body, is especially popular among patients with sciatica. This treatment method is said to unblock the body’s flow of energy. Other patients benefit from massage therapy, biofeedback, and muscle-stretching and strengthening exercises such as yoga and Pilates.
Patients who experience little relief from these treatment methods may want to consider the minimally invasive endoscopic procedures performed by Laser Spine Institute. An alternative to open back surgery, our endoscopic procedures utilize a small incision and are performed on an outpatient basis. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about how our safe and effective procedures can be used to treat sciatica.
