Sciatica
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- Sciatica is a condition where there is pain along the sciatic nerve. This occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, inflamed (swollen), irritated, or stretched anywhere along its length. Sciatica may be a symptom of other diseases, such as spinal and neurological (nerve) diseases. It may be related to certain activities, poor posture, or physical or psychological (mental) stress. The most common cause of sciatica is a slipped disc in the spine. Other causes include too much use of buttock or leg muscles, being overweight or pregnant, infections, and tumors.
- Sciatica usually starts in the lower back and goes down the buttocks and thighs. There may be numbness or problems moving or controlling the leg. A simple leg raise test, bone scan, or x-ray may be done to diagnose sciatica. You may also need an electromyography (EMG), myelogram, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment may include bed rest, lifestyle changes, assistive devices, medicines, massage, surgery, and physical therapy. With treatment of sciatica, you have a greater chance of the condition going away.
AFTER YOU LEAVE:
Medicines:
- Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
- Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
Activity:
- Rest: You may need to rest for no more than two days. As pain decreases, you may start doing your normal activities. This will help you to recover and heal faster.
- Sports and exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan an exercise program that best suits you. Start with a low-impact sport, such as walking or swimming, and do more as you get stronger.
- Walking: You may need to use a cane, walker or crutches. This may help you get around and decrease your chances of falling or getting hurt. It is important to use your cane, walker, or crutches correctly. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to choose and use them correctly.
Binder or brace care: Caregivers may tell you to wear a binder or brace to support your back. It may also be used to decrease pain. Ask your caregiver for more information on binder or brace care.
Cold or warm compress:
- Ice pack: An ice pack may be applied to your skin on top of the swollen part to decrease swelling. An ice pack is made of crushed or cubed ice in a plastic bag or an ice pack. Some water is mixed in a bag with the ice to more evenly spread the cold. Wrap the ice bag in a towel. Do not place the ice bag directly on the skin.
- Warm pack: After applying a cold compress, apply a warm, wet washcloth, a heating pad (turned on low), or a hot water bottle. Sitting in a warm water bath or whirlpool may also help.
Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.
Self-care:
- Avoid too much pressure on your back and legs: Do not lift heavy objects or stand or sit for long periods of time.
- Have good lifting techniques: Keep your back straight while bending your knees when picking up an object.
- Maintain proper posture: Always sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Sleep on a good, firm mattress: Try placing a piece of plywood under your mattress to help make it firmer. If you do not have a firm mattress, you may also sleep on the floor for a few days.
Wellness hints:
- Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
- Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.
- Weight: Weighing too much can make your back problems worse, your heart work harder, and cause other health problems. You may need to talk to your caregiver about a weight loss plan.
For more information: Having sciatica may be a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that you have sciatica may be hard. You and those around you may feel sad, frightened, and anxious. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information about sciatica:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 600184262
Phone: 1-847-8237186
Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:
- You have a fever (increased body temperature).
- You have a low back pain at night or even when resting.
- You have low back pain with numbness below the knee.
- You have weakness on only one leg.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition, care, or medicine.
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You have trouble holding back your urine or bowel movements.
- You have weakness on both legs.
- You have numbness in your groin (between your legs) or buttocks (rear).
- You are a male, and you cannot get an erection.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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