Have you told people your back is “killing you?” A back condition, such as a herniated disc or a pinched nerve, can be quite painful. Often, sciatica goes hand-in-hand with lower back problems. As the name suggests, sciatica affects the body’s largest nerve, the sciatic nerve, which runs from the back down both legs. It causes mild to severe pain, tingling and numbness in the legs.
While sciatica typically goes away in six weeks, it can last longer. In these cases, heating pads and other traditional treatments do not deliver lasting relief. Yet new treatment options are making a difference for patients with severe sciatica.
Complementary medicines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved acupuncture, in which tiny pins are lightly applied to the skin, as an effective treatment for back pain. In addition, massage therapy also reduces back pain, relaxes muscles and causes the body to release endorphins—natural pain relievers.
Minor procedures
Intradiscal electrothermoplasty (IDET) focuses on treating herniated discs, which commonly cause sciatica. It involves inserting a needle into the affected disc with guidance from an X-ray machine. A wire is then inserted into the needle and heated to destroy the nerve fibers that invaded the disc. In clinical trials, IDET success rates have ranged from 20 to 60 percent.
Radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty is another new procedure showing promise in helping treat sciatica. This procedure is similar to IDET, but instead of heating a wire, a special radiofrequency probe is inserted in the needle and into the disc. The radiofrequency creates enough energy to shrink the disc’s interior, thus alleviating pressure on the disc and surrounding nerves.
Surgery
As a last resort, healthcare providers may suggest microdiscectomy surgery to remove a portion of the disc that's pressing on a nerve. A tiny incision allows the surgeon to see the nerve with a microscope and remove damaged disc material.
Personalized treatment
Working with your Riverview Health orthopedic specialist can help determine which sciatica treatment option is right for you. Everyone’s situation is unique and a personalized approach is best.
Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.
Sources: Spine-Health.com, SpineUniverse.com