Sciatica
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Sciatica
Symptoms will help a doctor make the diagnosis. Your doctor will check the spine for areas of tenderness. Tests for sensation, coordination, muscle strength, and reflexes may be performed, especially when a slipped disc is suspected. Your doctor may use the straight-leg-raise test (lifting the leg to an angle of more than 60 degrees without bending the knee) to help locate the point of pain.
Other tests may include an X-ray, or scans like computed assisted tomography (CT or CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, electrodiagnostic tests (tests of the nerves and muscles) can be done to help doctors confirm the diagnosis and identify the affected areas and the severity.
Treating and Preventing Sciatica
Sciatica can be relieved by treating symptoms and any specific cause that exists, such as a slipped disc. Your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers such as acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes, symptoms may be decreased by using medications that decrease the efficiency of the nerves sending the pain message. In severe cases, you may need surgery to correct the cause.
Moderate exercise is recommended if pain is minimal. Stretching the hamstring muscles after warming up may ease the pain. When the symptoms have lessened, therapy to strengthen abdominal muscles and back muscles is important to prevent a return of symptoms.
Here are some other things that may help. Many of them are similar to ways of dealing with other common lower back problems:
- Sleep on a firm mattress on your side or back with knees bent.
- During bad attacks, sleep with a pillow under or between your knees.
- Try not to sleep on your stomach.
- Muscle spasms may be treated by applying heat or cold to the affected area.
- Adjust the height of chairs so your feet are flat on the floor and the knees are a little higher than the hips.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor and do not cross your legs when sitting.
- Sit in chairs that have firm back support and sit up straight against the back of the chair.
Although it is not always possible to prevent sciatica, regular exercise has shown to be an effective way to reduce the risk of developing sciatica. You can start with aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or jogging, and then add specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in the buttocks, legs, and back. Stretching exercises can also help, but people who have back pain should consult a health care professional first. You should also make sure you are in the proper position when lifting heavy objects (bending your knees when lifting) and should avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time.
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