Did you know four in ten people will experience sciatica at some points in their lives? This condition is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which contributes to the pain that shoots to the buttocks or thighs. The sensation may range from a mild ache to burning pain, causing extreme discomfort. In addition to pain, the patient may experience weakness, tingling and numbness.
For people struggling with sciatica pain, sitting or standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects or straining can only make the discomfort worse. For its treatment, heat or cold packs and over-the-counter pain medications are widely used.
People with sciatica pain often complain of loss of mobility and function. On the other hand, bed rest is highly discouraged as this may only contribute to further loss of movement. This is where physical therapy can help. Guided movements and deep-tissue massages can greatly improve mobility and flexibility and boost blood flow in the affected areas.
Other complementary treatments for sciatica pain are biofeedback and acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that makes use of thin needles that are inserted at various points in the body. By positioning these needles along the meridians on the body, traditional doctors believe this can boost the flow of Chi, which is the bodys vital energy. Biofeedback, on the other hand, is a technique that helps improve blood pressure, muscle tension and heart rate.
If youre wondering whether surgery is an option for sciatica, youre right. However, there is only a small percentage of sciatica sufferers who need surgery. When sciatica pain persists for more than six weeks despite treatment or when the symptoms have become worse, surgery may be considered.
Interventional pain specialist Arif B. Khan, MD, offers lasting solutions for several pain conditions. He has helped people of all ages in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area of TX. His treatment recommendations always start with conservative interventions such as activity modification, therapeutic exercise or physical therapy.
Arif B. Khan, MD, is the medical director of Texas Interventional Pain Care, an interventional pain center specializing in the treatment of many painful conditions, and located at 2201 N. Central Express Way, Suite 171, Richardson, TX 75080; 4800 North Galloway Ave. Suite 300 Mesquite, Texas 75150. Phone: 972-952-0290 or fax 972-952-0293.
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