Sciatica Pain: Treatment

    
      Re: Sciatica Pain:  Treatment
    


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Posted by CCF MD GS on March 03, 1998 at 10:43:19:

In Reply to: Sciatica Pain:  Treatment posted by Diana on March 02, 1998 at 00:57:12:

: 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
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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.