Re: Sciatica Pain: Treatment

Posted By Alva on March 12, 1998 at 04:44:27:

In Reply to: Re: Sciatica Pain:  Treatment posted by CCF MD GS on March 03, 1998 at 10:43:19:







: : My 65 year old mother injured herself about 2 weeks ago while moving heavy boxes and is now diagnosed with sciatica.  She was given a prescription for Darvocet, which she discontinued because it was too "sedating", and is now taking Lortab, which she seems to be tolerating.  However, she is still in some pain much of the time.  Can you tell me what other options  are available for her to consider?  Her doctor recommended hot compresses and 2 grams of glucosamine every day.  Will the pain eventually resolve by itself?  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
Diana






: Dear Diana it is always hard to know what people are taking about when they say "Sciatica". Some people use it to referr to low back pain, others buttock pain and others pain that radiates down the leg. Low back pain is a common problem. 69-80 % of the population experience a significant episode at some time. Many times the problem is a simple strain and requires no medical attention. It would be helpful to know your mothers exam in terms of determining the type of problem she has ie. strained back versus a lumbar disc herniation (pinched nerve). Treatment for back strain involves reassurance that the problem is unlikely to be serious. Narcotic use should be limited to a few days and then switched to nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (ie advil). physical therapy can also be very helpful. Muscle relaxants are often used but have not be shown to be very helpful. For patients with disc herniation conservative treatment is again usually the best otion and most patients recover without incident.Physical therapy is again important and surgery should be discouraged as a quick fix. Steroids are occassionaly given for nerve root irritaion. Surgery is usually indicated if the patient experiences bowel and bladder problems, severe neurologic deficit, and failure to improve with conservative therapy and imaging studies documenting an abnormality.
This information is orovided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.
Dear DR.,
What steroid would be use to try and help this lady neurological problem??? Would it be DEPO-MEDROL or would it be any other CORTICOSTEROIDS....I have seen a number of doctors suggest that these patients get steroid injectons...Could you please get back to me on that???Thank you so much I would really appreciate it...I am doing research on lower back pain and radiating down limbs...I really haven`t named the book, but I know it is going to be titles something on those lines....Would you or any of your doctors friends consider and interview by me???If you could get back to me on that I would be very grateful...Sincerely, Alva