Sciatica Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis
During the physical exam, a healthcare professional might check muscle strength and reflexes. For example, you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, rise from a squatting position, and lift your legs one at a time while lying on your back.
Tests
People with severe pain or pain that doesn't improve within a few weeks may need:
- X-ray. An X-ray of the spine may reveal various mechanical changes that can affect the size of the holes where the nerve roots exit the spine.
- MRI. This procedure uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the back. An MRI produces detailed images of the soft tissues, so herniated disks and pinched nerves show on the scan.
- CT scan. Having a CT scan might involve having a dye injected into the spinal canal before the X-rays are taken (CT myelogram). The dye then moves around the spinal cord and spinal nerves, making them easier to see on the images.
- Electromyography (EMG). This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of the muscles. This test can confirm how severe a nerve root injury is.
Treatment
For pain that doesn't improve with self-care measures, some of the following treatments might help.
Medications
The types of medicines that might be used to treat sciatica pain include:
- Anti-inflammatories.
- Corticosteroids.
- Antidepressants.
- Anti-seizure medications.
- Opioids.
Physical therapy
Once the pain improves, a healthcare professional can design a program to help prevent future injuries. This typically includes exercises to correct posture, strengthen the core and improve range of motion.
Steroid injections
In some cases, a shot of a corticosteroid medication into the area around the nerve root that's causing pain can help. Often, one injection helps reduce pain. Up to three can be given in one year.
Surgery
Surgeons can remove the bone spur or the portion of the herniated disk that's pressing on the nerve. But surgery is usually done only when sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or pain that doesn't improve with other treatments.
Alternative medicine
Alternative therapies often used for low back pain include:
- Acupuncture. The acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture can help back pain, while others have found no benefit. If you decide to try acupuncture, choose a licensed professional.
- Chiropractic. Chiropractors can make spinal adjustments or manipulations to restore spinal movement and decrease pain. Spinal manipulation appears to work and to be as safe as standard treatments for low back pain.
- Massage therapy. Massages can help loosen up the larger muscles in the back and hips that may be tight or have spasms.
Self-care
For most people, sciatica responds to self-care measures. Although resting for a day or so may provide relief, staying inactive will make symptoms worse.
Other self-care treatments that might help include:
- Cold packs. Place a cold pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Use an ice pack or a package of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel.
- Hot packs. After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. Use hot packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting. For continuing pain, try using both warm and cold packs, one at a time.
- Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. Try to hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds. Avoid jerking, bouncing or twisting during the stretch.
- Medications. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are sometimes helpful for sciatica. Use only as directed.
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Preparing for your appointment
Not everyone who has sciatica needs medical care. If your symptoms are serious or last for more than a month, make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
What you can do
- Write down your symptoms and when they began.
- List key medical information, including other conditions you have and the names and doses of medications, vitamins or supplements you take.
- Note recent accidents or injuries that might have damaged your back.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help you remember the information you get.
- Write down questions to ask your healthcare professional.
For radiating low back pain, some basic questions to ask include:
- What's the most likely cause of my back pain?
- Are there other possible causes?
- What tests do I need?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- Should I have surgery? Why or why not?
- Are there restrictions I need to follow?
- What self-care measures should I take?
- What can I do to keep my symptoms from coming back?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:
- Do you have numbness or weakness in your legs?
- Do some body positions or activities make your pain better or worse?
- How much does your pain limit your activities?
- Do you do heavy physical work?
- Do you exercise regularly? If yes, with what types of activities?
- What treatments or self-care measures have you tried? Has anything helped?
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