Sciatica Treatment

Sciatica treatments range from the downright silly and home brewed to traditional western medicine with a scientific approach. Before we get into the various treatments for sciatica and sciatic pain it is important to know that sciatica is a symptom and not a diagnosis. In order to treat the pain it’s important to know what is causing it. Otherwise it’s like treating a sore tooth with foot cream – it’s just not going to work.  Common causes for sciatica include:

-           Herniated disc

-           Overuse

-           Piriformis syndrome

-           Spinal Atenosis

-           Tumors

-           Injury or trauma 

Other Types of sciatica treatments  

Once you understand what is causing your sciatica treatment can be planned.  Common sciatica treatments include:

Herbal sciatica treatment.

Herbal Remedies which often call for:  Hayseed baths, stinging nettle lashings, willow bark supplements, ginger and mustard plaster. 

Stretching and Exercises for Sciatica

Eastern medicine sciatica treatment.

Eastern Medicine, which is a growing trend in the United States, approached sciatica from a different perspective and treats the whole body rather than the symptom.  Eastern medicine sciatica treatments have been very effective for many sufferers.  Common modalities include:

-           Acupuncture

-           Massage

-           Chiropractic

-           And Manual Therapies like cranial sacral therapy

Western medicine sciatica treatment.

Western medicine is where many people feel most comfortable.  There is scientific information to back up treatments and approaches and insurance pays for it.  Western medicine sciatica treatment options include:

-           Physical therapy

-           Steroid treatments

-           Over the counter pain relievers

-           Surgery

-           And good old fashioned heat/ice treatments to reduce inflammation.

Where to go for sciatica treatment. 

Assuming your sciatica pain is not going away on its own or you’re suffering from frequent flare ups, it is important to get a diagnosis from a physician.  Once you know the cause for your sciatica pain then you can make educated decisions for your sciatica treatment.

Don’t undertake a sciatica treatment program without first consulting an expert.  That goes for the herbal remedies too.  Herbal remedies can cause as much trouble as good.  Always make sure your doctor knows if you’re including any herbal or eastern medicine practices in your sciatica treatment.

You don’t have to live with chronic pain from sciatica; treatments are available for all ranges of pain and all causes.  Once you’ve been diagnosed and a treatment plan has been prescribed, see the treatment plan through.  Sometimes eliminating or reducing sciatica pain can take time.  If your doctor starts you on an exercise or stretching program, follow through on their advice and give it time.  There is no magic cure for sciatica however you can stop it from taking over your life.