subject: How To Go About Relieving Sciatica Pain [print this page] When it comes to relieving sciatica pain you might have to experiment with a number of different therapies. There is no single cut and dried therapy for the pain, and we all experience pain differently. It's important that your physician is willing to work with you to find a solution that fits your life while still being effective.
Some physicians tend to treat sciatica pain with narcotic medications. The problem with this is that while you may get pain relief you are not able to function at the same level as an unmedicated, pain free version of you. Naturally, this method can lead to side effects that are undesirable, including addiction.
Before you leap straight for medication, try using cold compress therapy to help reduce the inflammation. While medications like NSAID pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are productive, using them in conjunction with cold compress therapy is often much more helpful.
Following the cold compress routine with hot compresses can be very helpful. The cold helps to reduce the initial inflammation while the heat in turn increases necessary blood flow to facilitate being pain free. Of course, you should listen to your body and develop a program that seems to suit your needs.
Using stretching exercises can be very helpful once you have passed the initial sharp pain stage. Stretching exercises can help keep the area more flexible and less likely to seize up on you. Developing the muscles of the lower back and upper leg can also help keep your nerve from becoming overly aggravated.
Sometimes you have no choice but to use heavy medications or explore surgical options. If your pain does not ease within a couple of days, it is best to consult with your physician. Relieving sciatica pain is not always easy and sometimes aggressive therapies are more appropriate.
