Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the legs. Sciatica can be caused by various factors, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or injury.
Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of nerve compression or irritation. Some people may experience occasional flare-ups, while others may suffer from chronic pain. Severe sciatica pain can be debilitating and make even the simplest daily tasks seem like insurmountable challenges.
If you are dealing with severe sciatica pain, you may wonder what you can do to ease your discomfort and improve your condition. This article offers some tips and strategies that may help you deal with unbearable sciatica pain.
Seek Medical Attention
The first step in addressing severe sciatica pain is seeking medical attention. Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your sciatica and prescribe appropriate treatments, such as medications, injections, or surgery. Your doctor can also rule out any serious or potentially life-threatening conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as infection, tumor, or cauda equina syndrome.
Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist, who can design a personalized exercise program to help you strengthen your core and back muscles, improve your posture and flexibility, and reduce inflammation and nerve pressure. Physical therapy can also teach you how to use proper body mechanics and avoid activities that may worsen your pain.
In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgery can address the underlying cause of sciatica, such as a herniated disc or bone spur, and alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Manage Your Pain
While medical treatments can address the underlying cause of your sciatica, you may also need to manage your pain in the meantime. There are several ways to manage your pain at home, such as:
- Apply ice or heat to the affected area – Ice can reduce swelling and inflammation, while heat can relax muscles and increase blood flow. You can alternate between ice and heat every 15 to 20 minutes for up to two hours.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. However, you should follow the dosage instructions and avoid taking them for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor.
- Try alternative therapies – These include alternatives such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. These therapies can relieve stress, increase blood circulation, stimulate endorphins, and promote healing. However, you should consult your doctor before trying any alternative therapies and make sure they are performed by qualified professionals.
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Modify Your Lifestyle
Another way to deal with severe sciatica pain is to modify your lifestyle habits that may contribute to your pain or prevent your recovery. Some lifestyle changes that may help you include:
- Losing weight – If you are overweight or obese, excess weight can put more pressure on your spine and nerves and increase inflammation. Losing weight can reduce your pain and improve your overall health.
- Quitting smoking – Smoking can impair blood flow and oxygen delivery to your tissues and slow down healing. Quitting can increase your circulation and speed up your recovery.
- Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing – Sitting or standing for long periods can increase pressure on your spine and nerves and aggravate your pain. Try to change positions frequently, take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes, and use ergonomic chairs or cushions to support your back.
- Sleeping in a comfortable position – Sleeping in the wrong position can worsen your pain and affect your sleep quality. Try to sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your back with a pillow under your knees. You should also use a firm mattress and a supportive pillow that aligns your head and neck with your spine.
Ask for Support
Coping with severe sciatica pain can be challenging and stressful, especially in the last stages of sciatica. You may feel frustrated, depressed, anxious, or isolated because of your pain. You may also have difficulty performing your daily tasks or enjoying your hobbies. That is why it is important to seek support from others who can understand and help you. You can seek support from:
- Your family and friends – They can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship. They can also help you with household chores, errands, or transportation.
- Your health care team – They can provide medical advice, guidance, and referrals. They can also monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
- A support group or counselor – They can provide peer support, coping skills, and counseling. They can also help you deal with any emotional or mental issues that may arise from your pain.
Sciatica pain can be excruciating, but there are numerous strategies and treatments available to help you manage and alleviate the pain. By understanding the symptoms, seeking professional guidance, and exploring various treatment options, you can regain control of your life and find relief from unbearable sciatica. Every patient’s journey to recovery is unique, so work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized plan that suits your needs and preferences.
A patient who has had a lumbar discectomy for a herniated disc may experience sciatica if the disc becomes reherniated, which often occurs if there is a large hole in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. Fortunately, there is a new treatment available. Barricaid is a device shown to reduce the risk of reherniation by closing the hole in the disc after a discectomy, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
To learn more about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.