Print
BlinkList
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Sciatica in the back is a certain set of symptoms experienced concurrently that stem from inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve, if irritated, will present symptoms in the lower back, buttocks, backs of the legs, and bottoms of the feet. These symptoms can include:
- Pain
- Weakness in the muscles/trouble moving
- Numbness
- Burning
- Pins and needles/a tingling sensation
- Spasms of the muscles
- Cramping
- More
Treatment for Sciatica in the Back
When it comes to treating sciatica, the exact methods depend exclusively on the condition or combination of conditions causing the symptoms. For example, someone experiencing sciatica in the back due to a bulging disc will have a different treatment plan than someone whose sciatic nerve is irritated because of diabetes. However, many treatment plans include some combination of the following methods:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Over-the-counter and prescription pain medication
- Alternating heat/ice compresses
- Epidural cortisone injections
- Anti-inflammatories
- Exercise
When these techniques fail to bring enough relief to allow the patient to live a fulfilling life, surgery may be recommended by the doctor. In this case, endoscopic spine surgery offers a safe, effective, and advantageous alternative to open back surgery. With a lower chance of infection, use of local anesthesia instead of general, and a significantly faster recovery time, this technique offers major benefits over open back surgery and is even an option for some people who may not qualify for open back procedures.
For more information on sciatica in the back, including information on your treatment options such as the endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute, contact us. We offer a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan by one of our spine doctors and will be happy to discuss your condition and your eligibility for one our procedures with you.