Natural Remedies

The case for and against epidural injections for sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and exits from the lower spine to the heels. Due to certain physical contortions in the vertebras the nerve is sometimes compressed and causes sciatica pain. Sciatica pain, as it travels down the entire length of the nerve, can be extremely tortuous and unbearable at times. This makes pain management an integral part of any sciatic nerve treatment.

One of the methods by which physicians attempt to alleviate severe pain is epidural anesthesia. An epidural is a process that injects steroids directly into the epidural space in the spine. The epidural space is the space between the dura mater, a membrane, and the vertebral wall that is just outside the dural sac. This area is filled with fat and small blood vessels. The dural sac surrounds the nerve roots and the cerebrospinal fluid that the nerve roots are immersed in.

An epidural injection is usually recommended for relieving severe pain and in cases where rehabilitation is inhibited. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes to administer an epidural steroid injection and the needle is directed to the epidural space with the aid of live x-rays, a technique known as fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is essential to direct the medication to the intended area. Once the needle is in place the medication, an epidural steroid solution, is injected. The patient is observed for about half an hour and then allowed to go home.

Epidural steroid injections can be very beneficial in cases of severe pain where sciatica alternative remedies like exercise, active rehabilitation, improvement in diet and activity modification fail to produce results. Although the effects of the epidural injections tend to be temporary, they are successful in providing relief from incidents of severe pain and allow any rehabilitation program to be completed in relative comfort.

Corticosteroids have been tested as being effective for removing inflammation. Sometimes a flushing solution like normal saline is used to flush out inflammatory proteins from the area. The effectiveness of an epidural is enhanced because it delivers the medication directly in the area causing trouble. In cases where a patient does not respond to epidural steroid injections any further administration becomes redundant as, in all probabilities that too will prove futile. However, where the first injection provides minor relief, a second and third injection in a period of one year can be safely administered.

An epidural injection as such has very minor risks limited to 0.01 to 0.5 percent of cases, the steroid medication, does have side effects such as:

* Temporary decrease in immunity
* Stomach ulcers
* Severe arthritis of the hips
* Cataracts
* High blood sugar
* Increased appetite
* Flushing

Epidurals are not prescribed for:

* Patients with a local or systemic bacterial infection or bleeding problems
* Pregnant women
* Patients where a tumor or infection is suspected

Extreme caution is required in uncontrolled medical conditions like a congestive heart failure, diabetes, allergy to the epidural solution or in cases where aspirin or anti-platelet drugs are being taken. The option lies between extreme discomfort of agonizing pain or the risk ratio of an epidural steroid injection.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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Sciatica Pain Relief Naturally: Alternative Therapies

Whatever the nature of your sciatica, chronic, acute, or episodic, your first concern is likely to be to obtain relief from the pain as the pain can be unbearable at times. Mainstream sciatic nerve treatmentfocuses mainly on drug induced pain relief, epidural steroid injections or surgery. The advancement in information gathering tools has made people more aware of the dangers of the side effects of conventional treatments. This has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the popularity of sciatica alternative remedies, like yoga, acupressure, acupuncture and biofeedback along with preventive measures to avoid risks of sciatica.

Yoga is the ancient Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions, knowledge and devotion. It is a system of exercise practiced as part of the Hindu discipline to promote control of the body and mind. Yoga is often misunderstood as only a workout regime. Yoga is in fact what the name suggests - balancing mind and body. Specific yogic exercises, especially in cases where sciatica is piriformis syndrome induced, stretch and loosen the piriformis muscle thus releasing the pressure that it is putting on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica patients should, however, specifically mention their condition to the instructor because some exercises, like forward folds and twisting are not recommended for sciatica patients.

Acupuncture and acupressure have gained immense popularity in the United States as well as all over Europe. Originated in China, these ancient therapies are based on unblocking the flow of Qi or Chi, (pronounced a ‘chee’) which is the vital energy force of the human body that continuously circulates through Meridians. Acupuncture attempts to restore the healthy flow of Qi throughout the body by inserting fine needles at the precise points called Meridians. Meridians are close to the skin surface and the needles are not inserted deep into the tissue. Sterilized and disposable needles are used which may have to be heated, twirled, or stimulated by some other means during an acupuncture treatment. It is a painless therapy which gives an immense amount of relief and relaxation and should only be done by a licensed practitioner.

Acupressure, on the other hand, attempts to unblock Qi with the aid of consistent pressure applied by thumbs, fingers, and elbows. The acupressure and acupuncture pressure points, meridians, are identical. It is a non-invasive and gentle therapy that has produced encouraging results.

Howsoever far fetched that it may sound, biofeedback, a system of self suggestion by which the patient “thinks his pain away” has produced some very positive results in many patients of sciatica. A controversial system as it has not been researched sufficiently for full accreditation includes a special equipment to measure and send information to the patients’ body based on his/her physiological reactions to stimuli such as stress and muscle tension.

The most important aspect of sciatica alternative remedies is to cure without side effects with as much emphasis on prevention as on cure. Prevention is always better than cure. The encouraging factor in such treatments is that even non-sciatica patients can make use of these therapies to reduce the risk of compression of the sciatic nerve, the main culprit behind sciatica.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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Sciatica and Chiropractic

Though sciatica is often confused as a disorder, it is actually just a symptom that points towards a probable compressed sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be compressed due to various changes that occur in the spine. These could be old age, trauma or strangulation of the nerve by the piriformis muscle.

Sciatica pain is typical and radiates from the lower back and can reach up to the toes.

The various methods of treating sciatica include drug therapy, epidural steroid injections and surgery. Sciatic nerve treatmentsinclude regular exercises regimes and pain management techniques. These have proven to be synergistic in conjunction with other drug based remedies and help in augmenting the overall treatment.

Chiropractic treatment is a certain kind of technique that aims to cure sciatica and provide relief. It has been one of the mainstays of sciatica alternative remedies in the east and is now being increasingly accepted in the west.

This technique involves a manual adjustment of the spine. The process is carried out by chiropractic practitioners who apply pressure in varying degrees to decompress the sciatic nerve. At the same time the aim of the chiropractic specialist is to adjust the partial dislocation of joints and organs to restore them to their correct position.

The amount of pressure applied differs from case to case. It is based on the manner in which the patients’ condition is perceived by the practitioner. The intensity and manner in which the pressure is could be gentle and specific to the area that is thought to be affected. It could also involve full bloodied thrusts to correct a dislocation that may have occurred.

A chiropractic practitioner may also use ice therapy or heat therapy from ultrasounds to provide relief from pain. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and controls sciatic pain. Ultrasounds generate gentle heat that helps in increasing circulation and relaxing muscles.

Since the process involves the practitioner to handle degenerated discs and bones, it is imperative that you choose a qualified practitioner for any kind of chiropractic treatment.

Chiropractic treatment can be extending into your homes with the use of a system called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). This is a battery operated unit that generates electric impulses and can be used to stimulate muscles. The gadget is available in various portable models and is extremely convenient to use.

Even though chiropractic treatment can be extremely helpful at times, it has limited scope in the area of sciatica treatments. And therefore, at times it is necessary to shift to another sciatica therapy in some cases.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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What Can I Do to Relieve Sciatica Pain?

The longest nerve in the human body, the sciatic nerve, can be a source of much pain if it is compressed due to some reason. The pain is often unbearable and pain management is required at times to be able to carry on daily duties.

Many people believe that sciatica pain is a disease whereas it is only a symptom of some disorder. The disorder could be related to the spinal cord or a non-spinal muscle called the piriformis.

Generally sciatica pain occurs on one side of the body and radiates through the length of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back to your toes. Chronic sciatica pain that does not subside within three months can lead to complex physical and mental side effects. Persistent stress of chronic sciatica can bring on a chain reaction leading to further pain since it weakens the nervous system and the immune system.

Management of pain may be categorized in the following main and subcategories:

Conventional Sciatic Nerve Treatment

* Drugs
* Epidurals

Sciatica Alternative Remedies

* Home Remedies

* Exercise & Aquatic exercise
* Alteration in daily activities
* Improved Nutrition

* Natural

* Homoeopathy
* Ayurvedic herbs and massages
* Chiropractic
* Cold & Heat Therapies
* Acupuncture
* Acupressure

Conventional sciatic nerve treatment for pain relief includes pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases of severe and chronic pain a physician may advise epidural steroid injections.

Sciatica alternative remedies include a number of options and can be chosen based on personal preferences.
Sciatica is not likely to cure itself over time and while undergoing therapy, it is important to control and manage pain. Exercise helps in healing and a regular exercise regime can go a long way in preserving mobility and functionality to a reasonable level.

It is pertinent that you alter the way you go about business in your normal schedule. Care needs to be taken that the back is not harmed and that you maintain good practices. Make sure to follow some steps

* Correct posture while sitting.
* Use of a low back support.
* Periodic change in position while sitting to relieve stress.
* Bend at your knees when you need to lift something. So not put pressure on your waist.
* Opt for a comfortable mattress that will support your back.

Nutrition is one thing that we usually do not associate with pain and you may be surprised to know that water and oxygen are extremely necessary to maintain healthy vertebral discs.

* Sipping water throughout the day is highly recommended.
* Caffeinated drinks and alcohol decrease hydration and bring about cramps in muscles. Avoid them as much as you can.

Natural therapies like homoeopathy, chiropractic manipulation, ice/cold therapy, and ultrasound wave induced heat therapy are known to have given good results in sciatica pain management.

Acupressure is a system of applying pressure at vital points called Meridians. This enables free flow of the vital energy force of the body. Acupuncture, on the other hand, attempts to do the same by inserting very fine sterile needle at the appropriate Meridians.

Ayurvedic herbal remedies and massages, extremely popular in India, have a long lasting affect on loosening the muscles that have become stiff. They also help in propping the spinal column.

Some kind of pain management is extremely important since no therapy can guarantee complete elimination. It allows you to manage life in a better manner.

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

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What is pseudo sciatica?

Sciatica is often confused as a disease. However, sciatica is actually a symptom of a disease commonly understood as compression of the sciatic nerve. This is mainly caused by a slipped or a herniated disc. Sciatica pain transmits from low back, via one of the buttocks, along the path of the sciatic nerve at the back of a leg down to the toes. The pain can be excruciating and can aggravate on exertion. In severe cases the lower back can also get ‘locked’ in a sideways bending position.

However, conditions other than a compressed sciatic nerve can also create symptoms of pain that mimic the typical sciatica pain. Sciatica-like pain may be triggered if the nerve gets trapped along its path. And for some reason sciatica has become a general term that is used for any pain that is associated with the buttocks and the legs.

Pseudo sciatica is the compression of the peripheral sections of the sciatic nerve. The tension in the soft tissue of the piriformis, gluteal and other related muscles is usually the cause behind it. Such tension may be caused by unhealthy postures, sports activity and lack of exercise.

* Sitting or standing in a particular position for long periods.
* Protruding the head for peering at the computer screen.
* Regularly lifting the baby out of the back car seat.
* Sitting with wallet in the back pocket.
* Sitting on chairs with a high seat that puts constant pressure on hamstrings.

Gluteal muscles are large skeletal muscles that form the buttocks and help in thigh movement. They run from the pelvis to the hip and are responsible for stabilizing the thigh during walking. Walking too fast or for too long, especially on hard and rough surfaces, can activate hip pain. Holding the foot on the car accelerator may also result in immobilization of the gluteal muscles.

Psoases are two muscles of the abdomen and pelvis that flex the trunk and rotate the thigh. These muscles are continually shortened by sitting for long periods in a reclined position in sloping chairs or sleeping in a fetal position. Tension in these muscles can activate trigger points causing sciatica like pain.

Such conditions cause, what is known as, pseudo sciatica.

The standard treatment for pseudo sciatica is similar to sciatic nerve treatment with more emphasis on stretching exercises, anti inflammatory drugs and massages. Sciatica alternative remedies like herbal massages, yogic exercises, chiropractic manipulations and homeopathic treatment can play a pivotal role in treating pseudo sciatica. All treatment is followed by correcting faults in the gait of the patient and occupational positions.

References:

http://www.sciaticaclinic.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciatica

http://www.appliedkinesiology.com/conditions/Piriformissyndrome.htm

http://www.fenixstopspain.com/low_back_pain.html

This article is provided courtesy of Native Remedies.

Technorati Tags: Herniated Disc, Hip Pain, Muscles Of The Abdomen, Pelvis, Sciatic Nerve, Sciatica Pain, Unhealthy Postures