Which department should I go to for sciatica?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 14, 2024

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For sciatic nerve pain, it is recommended to first consult an orthopedic or spinal surgery specialist. Initially, it is important to determine the cause of the pain, such as whether it is caused by a herniated disc pressing on the nerve root. If it is confirmed that the pain is not caused by a herniated disc pressing on the nerve root, and it is purely sciatic nerve pain, you can then visit a pain management clinic to check for potential issues like piriformis syndrome. In essence, start with an orthopedic consultation to rule out orthopedic conditions. If no orthopedic issues are found, then consult a pain management specialist.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

51sec

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Can sciatica be cured completely?

Sciatica is difficult to cure completely. If it is primary sciatica, which is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve, there is a possibility of complete cure after medical treatment. However, secondary sciatica is generally difficult to completely cure because it is usually caused by spinal diseases, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or even spondylolisthesis. In such cases, even after solving the primary disease, some problems may persist, continuing to stimulate the sciatic nerve, making it difficult to cure completely. If the sciatica is caused by spinal tuberculosis or a spinal tumor, the situation is even more complicated. Even if the primary lesion is resolved, it cannot guarantee that it will not recur. Therefore, sciatica is difficult to cure completely.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan

General Surgery

52sec

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How to treat sciatica?

Patients with sciatic nerve pain must rest in bed, especially those whose pain is caused by nerve compression. They must pay close attention to keeping warm and resting regularly, and use heat application on the waist and buttocks. For medicinal treatment, the drugs are mainly divided into Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Western medicine primarily uses non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and neurotrophic drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine mainly uses drugs that invigorate the blood to promote the repair of nerve edema and surrounding tissue swelling. Treatment can also include acupuncture and physical therapy, particularly ultrashort wave therapy and direct current iontophoresis during the acute phase, combined with acupuncture, which can effectively promote the alleviation of sciatic nerve pain.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

50sec

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Is moxibustion effective for sciatica?

First of all, it must be affirmed that moxibustion can promote local blood circulation, thereby effectively improving the edema of the sciatic nerve and alleviating symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. Thus, moxibustion is effective. In addition to moxibustion for patients with sciatic nerve pain, other treatments such as acupuncture, electrical stimulation, traction, massage, and cupping can also be combined with very good effects. For those with severe pain, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood-activating and stasis-removing drugs can be used. For those with severe spinal nerve compression that cannot be improved through conservative treatment, it is necessary to actively consider surgical treatment to relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves and create conditions for the recovery of sciatic nerve pain.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

53sec

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How to relieve sciatic nerve pain

When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, it is important to first determine the cause. It may be due to a herniated disc compressing the nerve root, or it could be caused by piriformis syndrome. If the pain is caused by a herniated disc and it is the patient's first occurrence, a CT scan can be done. If the herniation is mild, conservative treatment may be chosen, such as wearing a lumbar support and performing some traction. Patients can also actively exercise their back muscles to alleviate the sciatic nerve pain. Additionally, it is recommended to sleep on a firm bed and spend more time lying down than sitting. If the herniation is severe, has been prolonged, or it recurs frequently, it is advised to seek professional treatment in orthopedics. If the pain is due to piriformis syndrome, a visit to a pain management clinic is suggested for symptomatic relief and pain alleviation.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 6sec

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How should one sleep with sciatica?

Sciatica is a very painful condition. Paying attention to some details when resting and sleeping can alleviate sciatica to a certain extent. Specifically, the first point is to sleep on a hard bed, preferably a solid wooden bed. If the bed is too soft, consider placing a wooden board on it. Second, lying on your back is better than lying on your side. This is because lying on your back can maintain the stability of the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the pressure on the discs. Third, maintain a moderate flexion of the hips and knees while sleeping. To do this, place a small soft pad under the lower back and a small soft pillow under the knee joints to keep the hip joints in a slightly flexed position. The purpose is to let the muscles of the lower back relax optimally, thus stabilizing the lumbar spine and reducing the burden on the lumbar discs. Therefore, for sciatica, if you sleep on a harder bed in a supine position, and maintain proper knee and hip flexion, it can be very beneficial for recovery.