Pinched Nerves/Sciatica Pain
Effective treatments
With so many possible causes and so many available treatments, only an accurate diagnosis of sciatica can lead to effective treatment. Conservative treatment is often best. Your doctor may recommend ways to reduce your symptoms and information, including:
• Ice (two to three days) & heat therapy, as needed
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Reduce activity for the first couple of days, then restart slowly
• Avoid heavy lifting or twisting for the first six weeks after sciatica pain onset
• Begin exercise after two to three weeks to strengthen your abdomen & improve spinal flexibility
Sciatica is a painful condition caused by irritation of or injury to the sciatic nerve. This major nerve starts at the lower spine and runs down the buttock to the leg, ankle, and foot. Irritation may be caused by nerve root compression, bone spurs, slipped disc, arthritis, piriformis syndrome and, in rare cases, even tumors. Sciatica often feels like tingling, numbness, and weakness in the leg.
Many treatment options for sciatica pain
If the conservative measures above do not help, neurologist Dr. Barton may recommend medical therapeutic massage or injection therapy to reduce information around the nerve. He may prescribe other medicines to help reduce the stabbing pains of sciatica or physical therapy to reduce pain and improve function. And he may recommend other treatments depending on the condition that is causing your sciatica pain.
If you think you might have sciatica, please call West Coast Neurology at (626) 598-3770 or book an appointment online by clicking here.
