Sciatica is a common yet among the most misunderstood types of pain. There are various myths surrounding sciatica near Marshall Campus treatment. Differentiating myths from facts is vital to help you make informed choices about your condition. One of the biggest myths about sciatica is that you can self-diagnose and treat the condition. But contrary to popular opinion, medical diagnosis is vital to establish the exact cause of the pain.
Many people believe in such myths, preventing them from obtaining proper treatment. Gaining a clear understanding of sciatica helps patients work with a medical professional to understand the cause and receive the best treatment. Below are common myths that you shouldn’t fall for.
Sciatica can be self-diagnosed and treated
Sciatica pain can stem from several lower back problems, meaning for an accurate diagnosis, you require clinical examinations and tests conducted by a medical professional. For example, conditions such as degenerated discs, bone spurs, or herniated discs can compress the spinal nerve roots, resulting in sciatica. Because treatment for each case is different, it is vital to establish a correct diagnosis. Therefore, you cannot self-diagnose and treat sciatica; you need a medical professional to diagnose and detect any other serious problems like infections and tumors. Detecting such problems early on can help prevent permanent nerve damage.
One treatment method benefits everyone.
Various factors, including stress, occupational ergonomics, and socioeconomic conditions of an individual, influence sciatica treatment outcomes. Additionally, a patient’s age, general health, and lifestyle, including smoking and certain drugs, can alter treatment outcomes. These factors often result in inconsistencies in treatment outcomes between different patients, making finding the right treatment one of trial and error. Usually, healthcare providers recommend a combination of treatment options; this is often the most effective course. These treatments may include:
- Alternating hot and cold compressions to relieve acute sciatica pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin
- Epidural injections. These may help eliminate or reduce inflammation around the nerve root, causing low back pain
Surgery may be an option if a patient doesn’t experience a progression of pain and neurological symptoms.
Sciatica pain does not recur after treatment.
Usually, sciatica pain resolves in four to six weeks, but sometimes the pain may recur or worsen over time despite treatments.
Many people with sciatica experience relief from pain in a few weeks, with or without medical treatment. However, depending on the severity of the underlying cause, the existing symptoms may worsen, or sciatica pain may recur over time. According to research, some patients may develop persistent sciatica symptoms for up to 12 months. In such cases, professional help is important; your doctor may adjust the intensity, duration, and type of treatment to address the underlying condition.
Bed rest heals sciatica.
It is important to rest and limit your movements when sciatica flares up, but long periods of inactivity can worsen the pain. Regular exercise can help alleviate the pain and prevent future occurrences. Also, staying active promotes healing in inflamed tissues and improves muscle and bone strength. Your muscles, joints, and sciatic nerves also become more flexible when you exercise regularly.
If you have sciatica, schedule an appointment online or call Pain Management 360 for diagnosis and treatment to eliminate the pain.