About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 26, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
...
7
8
9
10
11
...
Next»

Sciatica (cont.)

Medical Author:
Catherine Burt Driver, MD

Catherine Burt Driver, MD, is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Driver is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. She currently is in active practice in the field of rheumatology in Mission Viejo, Calif., where she is a partner in Mission Internal Medical Group.

View Full Profile
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Other Therapy

  • Physical therapy is often prescribed for sciatica.


  • You may receive special instructions from your doctor on dealing with back pain. Some suggest complete bed rest -- getting up only to go to the bathroom. Others suggest you sleep on the floor or put a board under your mattress for support. Some will tell you to use heat, others cold. You may also get information with pictures of back exercises and stretches you are expected to start when the pain improves. (These patient education sheets come from different sources and may have conflicting information.)


  • Current research recommends that you stay active, within limits imposed by your pain. If you can avoid reinjuring yourself, you should try to stay at work. If the pain forces you to rest, do so, but avoid staying in bed just because you have back pain.


  • If you are not improving after a week or 10 days, talk with your doctor about alternative therapies. Millions of people get some relief by visiting physical therapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors. Others find that relaxation techniques and acupuncture work for them.


  • Studies have shown that exercise therapy is helpful to treat back pain that persists for more than a few weeks. Good exercises for sciatica include walking, yoga, Pilates, and other specialized exercise programs.


  • Recent studies in Europe and Scotland show that injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) gives relief to many people suffering from long-term sciatica. There are, thus far, not enough cases or completed studies to make this more than an experimental procedure.
Next Page:
Follow-up»
«Previous
1
...
7
8
9
10
11
...
Next»

Must Read Articles Related to Sciatica

Abscess
Abscess An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are...learn more >>
Back Pain
Back Pain Back pain may be caused by sciatica, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, injury and pregnancy. Possible symptoms include pain that radiates down t...learn more >>
Blood Clots
Blood Clots Blood is supposed to clot to help repair a blood vessel that is injured. Clots or thrombi become a problem when they form inappropriately. There are a variety o...learn more >>
See the Entire Sciatica Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Sciatica - Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What treatments have been helpful with your sciatica?

View 18 Comments | Submit Your Comment

Sciatica - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with sciatica.

View 24 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

Chronic Pain/Back Pain

Find tips and advances in treatment.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Lumbar (Intervertebral) Disk Disorders »

Lumbar disk disease is a frequent source of low back pain.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Sciatica

Pain Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies