Sciatica is a very common condition that affects the lower back and legs. It can be very painful, and if left untreated, it can even become debilitating. Sciatica comes in many forms, but the most common is sciatica due to herniated discs.
If you’re experiencing sciatica and don’t see improvement with standard treatments, it may be time to see a specialist. Here are some reasons why your sciatica may not be going away on its own.
What is Sciatica Nerve and Pain?
Sciatica is a condition that results from pain and inflammation in the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs along the back of your lower leg, exiting through your heel. The pain may radiate down your leg or distribution may be more widespread depending on the location of the compression.
There is no one definitive cause for sciatica, but common culprits include:
- Muscle spasms,
- Piriformis syndrome,
- Spinal stenosis, and
- Herniated discs (discs that have slipped out of their normal position).
In many cases, however, Sciatica is simply a symptom of another underlying problem. If you are suffering from sciatica and don’t have an underlying cause, your doctor may recommend treating the pain with a combination of medication and physical therapy.
What are the Reasons for Sciatica Pain?
There are a few reasons why sciatica pain may persist despite attempts to manage it with conservative treatments. Sciatica is often the result of a herniated disc, which is when the soft material that surrounds and protects your spinal cord slips out of place.
This can occur as a result of repetitive movements or pressure on the lower back, buttocks or leg caused by such things as:
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Poor posture
If left untreated, sciatica can cause severe pain and disability in the lower limbs. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the herniated disc and restore stability to the spine. In other cases, medication and therapies such as physical therapy may be enough to relieve symptoms.
What is the Treatment for Sciatica Pain?
The treatment for sciatica pain will vary depending on the severity of the condition.
- If the pain is mild, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be enough.Â
- If the pain is more severe, a doctor may prescribe an NSAID like Naproxen or Celebrex.Â
- In most cases, using these medications regularly will help reduce the amount of pain you experience.
- If your sciatica is chronic, your doctor may recommend continuing to take these medications even if you don’t feel any pain and just to keep the inflammation at bay.
- There are also a number of other treatments available that can be used in conjunction with medication, including physical therapy and acupuncture.
What is Dry needling for Sciatica Pain?
Dry needling is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that uses very thin needles to stimulate specific points along the body’s meridians. This therapy is often used to treat sciatica, a condition in which Sciatic nerve pain travels down the back of your leg.Â
Dry needling has been shown to be effective in treating sciatica and relieving pain, and it doesn’t require any anesthesia.
Why is my Sciatica not Going Away?
There are a few things you can do to help alleviate sciatica pain.
- First, make sure you’re getting enough rest and exercise.
- If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body won’t have the energy to fight off the pain and the symptoms will worsen.
- Also, make sure you’re taking ibuprofen or another pain reliever as prescribed by your doctor.
- If you find that your sciatica is worsening after trying these remedies, your doctor may recommend physical therapy.
- Physical therapy can help improve flexibility in the muscles surrounding the back of your leg, which can reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
How to Tell the Difference Between Sciatica and Hamstring Pain
There are a few key differences between sciatica and hamstring pain that you can use to determine which one is causing your discomfort.
| Sciatica | Hamstring |
| Sciatica is typically a sharp, stabbing pain down the back of your leg, whereas hamstring pain tends to be more diffuse and achy. | Hamstring pain often occurs when you’re sitting too long or inactive, so try to get up and move around as much as possible. |
| Sciatica usually worsens when you move your leg and may even radiate up your spinal cord, while hamstring pain is less likely to cause such symptoms. | Apply pressure to the muscle surrounding the hamstring with your fingers or a massage tool. This will help loosen up the tight muscles and relieve some of the discomforts. |
| Finally, sciatica usually lasts for several weeks or months, | Take ibuprofen: Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation |
| If you think you may have sciatica, make sure to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. | Hamstring pain tends to dissipate within a few days or weeks. |
Is Swimming Good for Sciatica
Swimming is one of the great exercises for people with sciatica. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in the sciatic nerve. Swimming also helps improve core strength and balance.
Sciatic Nerve Pain after Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause pain in the sciatic nerve, which can last for months or even years after the baby is born. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down your leg. It can become irritated during pregnancy because of all the pressures and movements on it.
Sciatica is a common symptom of sciatic nerve pain. It’s usually characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain that suddenly comes and goes, and often worsens when you stand or walk.
There are many things you can do to relieve sciatica pain during pregnancy, including
- Rest
- Ice
- Ibuprofen
- Physical therapy
If your sciatica doesn’t go away after trying these treatments, see your doctor for further evaluation.
Where to Put Heating Pad for Sciatica
When sciatica is present, it can be difficult to determine the best place to put a heating pad. If you are having trouble walking, lying down, or taking any other steps, it is important to find a comfortable position for the heating pad and heat it gradually. You may also want to wet the pad before use.
If your sciatica pain is severe, you might need to keep the heating pad on until the pain subsides. Place it on your back, between your legs, or in another area where the pain is especially bad.
Follow the instructions that came with your heating pad to ensure that it is heating properly and that you are not causing further injury by using it improperly.
Deep Tissue Massage for Sciatica
Deep tissue massage is one of the most popular forms of massage because it is claimed to be able to treat a variety of conditions and injuries, including sciatica. A deep tissue massage is typically performed on the upper body, but can also be used on the lower body.
- A deep tissue massage works by using friction and pressure to break up the adhesions ( bands of tension) in the muscle.
- This results in improved circulation and reduced inflammation. The therapist will also use kneading techniques to stimulate circulation and relieve pain.
Conclusion
If you are still struggling to get relief from your sciatica, it might be worth consulting with a doctor. There could be many underlying causes for your pain that require specialist attention. If you have tried other treatments without success, or if you feel like the pain is getting worse, please consult a doctor as soon as possible.
