Which department should I go to for sciatica?

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 20, 2024

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When experiencing sciatic nerve pain, we first need to analyze the cause of such pain symptoms, such as a herniated disc compressing the nerve root leading to sciatica. In this case, we recommend visiting an orthopedic or spinal surgery department. If there is no disc herniation or nerve root compression, consideration should be given to whether the pain is caused by piriformis syndrome, in which case a visit to the pain management department is suggested.

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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

54sec

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What Chinese medicine is taken for sciatica?

Sciatica is categorized under "Bi Syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine. There are several Chinese herbal formulas to consider for treatment. The first is Xuan Bi Tong Bi Tang, which has an overall effectiveness rate of about 96%. The second herbal formula is Wu Tou Xi Xin Tong Bi Tang, which also has good therapeutic effects and is statistically shown to be superior to non-steroidal measures. The third medication is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, which also has a high effectiveness rate and significant results, but lacks large-scale clinical data. Additionally, in terms of diet, it is advisable to consume dishes such as Sichuan Duan stewed pig tail and other traditional Chinese medicinal foods that include old mulberry branches like Sang Ji Sheng.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

52sec

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Which department should I register for sciatica?

Sciatica is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary sciatica is caused by inflammation of the sciatic nerve itself, thus one should visit the Department of Neurology. Secondary sciatica is more common and usually stems from spinal conditions, so initially one should visit the Department of Spinal Surgery. Alternatively, one can visit the Department of Orthopedics, which deals with broader orthopedic issues. If experiencing severe acute pain, a visit to the Pain Management Department can provide rapid and effective pain relief. For frequent episodes of sciatica and interest in rehabilitation, the Rehabilitation Department can be considered. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has unique approaches to treating sciatica, so visiting the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine to try treatments with Chinese herbs and methods is also an option.

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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.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 24sec

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica refers to severe pain caused by various reasons that result in the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve. The typical pain of sciatica radiates from the lower back to the buttock or the back of the thigh and the lateral side of the leg down to the foot. The pain can intensify during coughing or increased abdominal pressure. Additionally, this condition is often accompanied by dullness or numbness, and in a minority of cases, it can cause bilateral sciatica. Generally, there are three main causes of sciatica: The first is chemical irritation, mainly when the disc tissue comes into contact with the sciatic nerve, releasing chemical substances that stimulate and trigger an autoimmune response, resulting in neuritis. The second cause is mechanical compression, primarily from protuberance and nucleus pulposus compression or traction on the already inflamed nerve root, leading to obstructed blood flow and worsening edema. The third cause follows chemical stimulation and mechanical compression, leading to ischemic symptoms in the injured nerve, which then results in pain. Therefore, sciatica typically has primary and secondary causes. The primary cause is sciatic neuritis, while secondary causes are usually associated with lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar tumors, and piriformis outlet syndrome.