How to treat sciatica

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Sciatica typically has two treatment methods. One is non-surgical treatment, which is currently the first and most commonly used approach. The first step is general treatment, meaning that once symptoms of sciatica occur, one should rest on a hard board bed. Second, one can combine this with some heat applications to the lumbar area, physical therapy, and acupuncture; all of these are options. The third is traction therapy, which is very effective for discogenic sciatica, as it can reduce the pressure on the intervertebral disc, thereby increasing the volume of the spinal canal and enlarging the area of the intervertebral foramen, thus reducing stimulation to the nerve. Fourth, one can consider undergoing sacral canal injections, or using papain or collagenase for chemical dissolution of the nucleus pulposus, which usually can also achieve a good effect. The fifth point is that when symptoms are reduced, one should start exercising the lumbar and back muscles to increase their strength and enhance the stability of the lumbar spine, thereby ensuring the stability of the intervertebral disc. It should be mentioned that massage and manipulation are quite effective for herniation of the disc nucleus pulposus, but if there is already obvious osteophyte formation, narrowing of the intervertebral space, or disorder of the facet joints, or even lumbar spinal stenosis, then massage and manipulation are not recommended. If the aforementioned treatments prove ineffective, the condition does not relieve or even worsens, or if there is central herniation of the lumbar disc, or if the patient shows significant cauda equina nerve stimulation symptoms, then surgical treatment is required.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What foods should be avoided with sciatica?

Patients with sciatic nerve pain should be cautious with their diet in daily life. Avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers and black pepper. Avoid high-fat, high-calorie foods such as fatty meats, barbecued and fried foods. Also, reduce the intake of foods high in sugar like various pastries and sweets, as these foods are detrimental to health. Patients with sciatic nerve pain should eat more foods rich in high-quality protein and vitamins such as milk, eggs, beans, chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. These foods are beneficial to health.

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Written by Xie Yi Song
Orthopedics
1min 13sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Sciatica refers to the pain caused by the sciatic nerve due to various reasons, such as compression from spinal diseases or simply sciatica itself, and it is inherently a symptom. What are the characteristics of this symptom? Sciatica can occur on one side or both sides simultaneously. When it occurs, the pain is usually continuous and can have episodic exacerbations. The pain is often dull, stabbing, burning, or like a knife-cutting sensation. It radiates from the buttocks along the back of the thigh and the outer back of the lower leg toward the foot. Clinically, sciatica is divided into secondary and primary types. Secondary pain is due to compression of the sciatic nerve root, commonly seen in conditions like lumbar disc herniation and other spinal disorders. It often accompanies percussion pain in the lumbar spine, and the pain may worsen with coughing, sneezing, or bending, and severe cases may experience numbness in the skin of the lower limbs. Primary sciatica refers to simple inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This type generally presents pain in the buttocks and back of the thigh and usually does not involve percussion pain in the lumbar spine.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can sciatica be treated with acupuncture?

Regarding whether acupuncture can be used for sciatica, it should first be clarified that acupuncture is feasible for treating sciatic nerve pain. Acupuncture can promote the recovery of nerves, thereby effectively alleviating the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. However, it is important to note that it is best to undergo acupuncture in the acupuncture and massage department of a formal hospital. Formal hospitals are more professional, have a better grasp of indications, and tend to provide more satisfactory results. Additionally, for patients with sciatic nerve pain, it is crucial to minimize local irritation. It is essential not to expose the area to cold, apply local heat, and combine treatment with some neuro-nourishing medications, such as mecobalamin, which is quite effective.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How to completely cure sciatica?

Treatment methods for sciatica include several approaches. First, resting on a hard board bed; typically, this rest period lasts three to four weeks, during which many patients experience symptom relief. Second, pharmacological treatment is recommended, usually involving non-steroidal pain relievers, as well as vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Short courses of corticosteroid hormones are also used. However, it is important to use hormones minimally and to stop their use correctly if possible. Third, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments are preferred. Many cases of sciatica may be alleviated or even cured with the proper application of traditional Chinese medicine and herbs. Common remedies include Xuanluo Tongbi Decoction, Wutou Xixin Tongbi Decoction, and Duhuo Jisheng Decoction. Local injection treatments are also available, but it is crucial to ensure precise and successful injection on the first attempt. Fourth, exercise therapy is essential as inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, so proper rehabilitation is necessary. Sixth, dietary therapy should focus on nutritious foods while avoiding junk food and spicy, stimulating dishes.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can you drink alcohol with sciatica?

Can people with sciatica drink alcohol? This question comes up often. In fact, sciatica is unrelated to drinking alcohol; people with or without sciatica can drink alcohol. However, it is best to drink less if you are suffering from sciatica. The reason is simple. After consuming alcohol, it might trigger an exacerbation of sciatica symptoms. Secondly, after drinking, the body's coordination and stability decrease, which may lead to uneven walking. At this time, if the sciatica has a specific cause, drinking may aggravate the factors that induce sciatica. Thirdly, excessive drinking is genuinely torturous and also harmful to health. Therefore, it is imperative to drink alcohol in moderation, and it is best to avoid excessive drinking. Otherwise, it is not good for the condition or the person.