Question 1

what is the difference between sciatica pain and back pain?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica=down leg: Sciatica is pain due to compression of the sciatic nerve or its branches and is typically pain going down the buttock into the back of the leg (may be all the way to the knee). Back pain is in the back itself, and it could be from muscle strain/sprain, or from slipped discs and resulting spinal nerve compression. Back pain may radiate down the leg (front or side, or sometimes the back) as well.

Question 2

what causes sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Pyriformis v disc: It can occur due to disc herniation in lower back or due to a hip muscle known aa  pyriformis irritating the sciatic nerve which it straddles in the buttock region mimicking a herniation pattern.  Intrapelvic lesions and lesions of sciatic nerve can cause symptoms. Late lyme disease can cause this pain pattern, spondylolysis/ listhesis or spinal stenosis or a synovial cyst or other mass in  spine, .

Question 3

what to use for sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: Depends on what is causing the sciatica. Sciatic nerve irritation can happen at the vertebral level and causes pinching of the nerve at the nerve root level. Of then this can need steroid to improve. Sciatic irritation can happen at the level of buttock with pyriformis or obturator spasm. This can be better manged with a muscle relaxer

Question 4

sciatica pain which i get sledom?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: Sciatica is a neuropathic pain due to nerve compression.  The symptoms can vary.  I recommend you see a doctor for evaluation.

Question 5

what can i take for sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Lots of options: Besides medication, I would also recommend physical therapy, lifestyle modifications and modalities such as TENS unit.  Depending on the type of pain you have, NSAIDs, tylenol, (acetaminophen) and medications specifically for neuropathic pain may be helpful.  

The American Chronic Pain Association has a good section on medication and treatment as a patient resource.
http://www.theacpa.org/treatments

Question 6

how do you treat minor sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica: If it is a minor pain then over the counter analgesics should work well - motrin, Ibuprofen are examples.

Question 7

can ice help to reduce sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic pain: Yes. Ice is an excellent anti-inflammatory option. Try alternating moist heat to relax muscles and ice to reduce swelling. Physical therapy and stretching exercises are important additions to reduce the pain and prevent recurrence of the pain.

Question 8

i have bad sciatica pain. what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Options: You have multiple options, the mainstay of treatment are interdisciplinary and include physical therapy, acupuncture, medications (anti-inflammatories, nerve pain agents) and epidural steroid injections. Depending on your response surgery may need to be considered. There continue to be emerging technologies to treat sciatica in a minimally invasive fashion.

Question 9

how young can someone be to get sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Any age: True sciatica comes from the inflammation of the nerves in the lumbar spine that create pain going down the leg. If you just have back pain going into the buttock region (not sciatica), that can be si (sacroiliac) joint dysfunction/mechanical low back pain. Any strain of the muscles, tendons or ligaments of the low back can cause regional pain. Ice/heat, stretching, otc Ibuprofen help.

Question 10

what are some good exercises for sciatica pain?

Accepted Answer

Yoga: Yoga increases strength, increases stability, and can help relieve pressure from compressed nerves.  Start lightly, progress as tolerated, and you could be amazed at how it can help pains like sciatica go away.

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What is sciatica pain

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What is the difference between sciatica pain and back pain?

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What causes sciatica pain?

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What to use for sciatica pain?

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Sciatica pain which i get sledom?

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What can i take for sciatica pain?

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How do you treat minor sciatica pain?

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Can ice help to reduce sciatica pain?

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I have bad sciatica pain. what are my options?

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How young can someone be to get sciatica pain?

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What are some good exercises for sciatica pain?

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