Sciatica & non surgical treatments – is this possible? Yes – there are many non surgical options for treating sciatic pain from simple exercises to mechanical traction therapy.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is shooting, stabbing, burning or tingling pain down the leg. It is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve and is often described as being like an electric shock.
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve and runs from the buttocks down the back of each leg. It has several smaller nerves branching off it. If this sciatic nerve is compromised, by being touched or compressed, the pain can be severe and relentless.
The pain usually radiates from the lower back down the leg but can be present in the leg without back pain. It may present in segments of the leg, rather than all the way from the top to the bottom.
What is the first step to relieve sciatica?
If you are suffering from sciatica and want to try non surgical treatments, the first step is to get your condition looked at by a muscular skeletal specialist. Someone who is dealing with muscle and nerve issues on a regular basis such as an Osteopath, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. These professionals are able to offer non surgical options such as stretches, manipulation and exercises.
If the condition does not respond well then it may be time to get an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image). An MRI will identify exactly what is causing the issues and whether surgery or a different non surgical option may be beneficial.
What is lumbar traction?
Lumbar traction can encourage a disc bulge to reduce in size, return to its original space and take pressure off the nerve. This can be achieved, in some cases, with decompression exercises. Some patients will get relief by extending their back and others by flexing.
An effective form of lumbar disc traction is done by a mechanical device, especially one that tractions all areas of the disc in an axial manner. That is, not to one side or the other or front to back, but rather vertically, thereby applying the same force evenly across the disc. This manoeuvre is not achievable by practitioner’s hands or by exercise. It can only be done on a mechanical non surgical spinal decompression table.
Medications, injections, and laser treatments may help to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. These are best for a limited period and are not intended to resolve the issue but to mask some pain.
Surgical options for sciatica.
In some severe cases surgery may be required to relieve the pain of sciatica. Particularly when the bowel or bladder are being affected or where there is weakness in the legs. Also, when non surgical options have not provided total relief.
This surgery is called surgical decompression, rather than non surgical decompression. The surgeon will remove whatever is pressing on the sciatic nerve. The surgery is usually performed through an open incision however less invasive keyhole options are now available. The more minimal the surgery the quicker the recovery time.
Sciatica and Non Surgical Treatments – there are real options available.
