Understanding Sciatica: How Long Can It Last?

Sciatica is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the human body, becomes compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other factors. The resulting symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. 

Sciatica can vary in severity and duration, depending on the cause and the individual. Some people may experience mild symptoms that subside within a few weeks, while others may have chronic pain that lasts for months or even years. This article explores the various factors that can affect the duration of sciatica and discusses some treatment options that can alleviate the symptoms.

Factors that Affect How Long Sciatica Lasts

• Cause – Some causes of sciatica are more likely than others to resolve on their own. For example, sciatica caused by a herniated disc may heal within six weeks as the disc reabsorbs and reduces the pressure on the nerve. However, sciatica caused by spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal, may not improve without surgery.
  
• Severity – The intensity and frequency of sciatica symptoms can also affect how long it lasts. Generally, mild symptoms tend to resolve faster than severe ones. However, some people may have chronic mild symptoms that persist for a long time.
  
• Patient lifestyle and health – Some health and lifestyle factors can influence how long sciatica lasts and how well it responds to treatment. For example, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and lack of exercise can worsen sciatica symptoms and delay recovery. On the other hand, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing blood sugar levels can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  
• Treatment options chosen – There are various treatment options available for sciatica, ranging from conservative to invasive. The choice of treatment depends on the cause and severity of sciatica as well as the preferences and goals of the individual. 

Treatment Options 

• Medications – Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce inflammation and pain. Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or opioids, may be used for more severe cases or when over-the-counter drugs are not effective.
• Physical therapy – A physical therapist can design an exercise program that strengthens the core muscles, improves posture, increases flexibility, and reduces pressure on the nerve. Physical therapy can also include other modalities, such as heat therapy, cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or traction.
• Injections – Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain around the nerve root. They are usually given in conjunction with physical therapy or medications. These injections are not a cure for sciatica but can provide temporary relief for up to three months.
• Surgery – Surgery, such as a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy, may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief or when there is evidence of nerve damage or loss of function. Surgery involves removing part or all of the disc or bone that is compressing the nerve.

Tips for Handling Sciatica

• Seek medical attention if you have severe pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, weakness or numbness in your legs or feet, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or a history of cancer, infection, or trauma.
  
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for what treatment options are best for you. Do not stop or change your medications without consulting your doctor first.
  
• Stay active but avoid activities that aggravate your pain. Moderate exercise such as sciatica stretches can increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation. However, avoid activities that involve twisting, bending, lifting heavy objects, or sitting for long periods.
  
• Apply heat or ice to your lower back or legs as needed. Heat can relax tight muscles and increase blood circulation, and ice can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Sciatica can be a debilitating condition, but there are many factors that can affect how long it lasts, and several treatment options are available to alleviate its symptoms. If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. By understanding the factors that affect the duration of sciatica and exploring the treatment options available, you can take control of your condition and start feeling better.

A patient who has had a discectomy for a herniated disc may experience sciatica if the disc reherniates, 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. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, you may ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.

 For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.