Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Alleviating Sciatica Pain
Question: What do I need to know about alleviating sciatica? I have always been an active person and just walking the dog hurts my knees, hips and butt as well as sleeping on my side.
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are a number of lifestyle changes that are likely to be beneficial to you if you suffer with sciatica.
Pain relief with paracetamol and ibuprofen may help. In addition, muscle relaxation with a benzodiazepine such as diazepam may relieve any muscle spasms that may be troublesome in your back.
It is important that you remain as physically active as possible. So continue to walk and stretch. Avoid lifting heavy loads. When lifting, let your legs take the strain. Avoid severe twisting and turning movements. When sitting, ensure there is support for the small of your back. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise on specific exercises to improve core muscle strength to support the lower back. Other general exercises would be swimming and cycling as these are low impact.
Also, hot or cold compresses to the lower back may help relieve tension. If these simple measures do not result in am improvement then there are other drugs that may reduce the pain. Stronger pain killers such as codeine-based medications may help but can cause drowsiness. Alternatively gabapentin and amitripyline can help. There is a place for epidural steroid injections for persistent sciatica.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Lifestyle changes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are a number of lifestyle changes that are likely to be beneficial to you if you suffer with sciatica.
Pain relief with paracetamol and ibuprofen may help. In addition, muscle relaxation with a benzodiazepine such as diazepam may relieve any muscle spasms that may be troublesome in your back.
It is important that you remain as physically active as possible. So continue to walk and stretch. Avoid lifting heavy loads. When lifting, let your legs take the strain. Avoid severe twisting and turning movements. When sitting, ensure there is support for the small of your back. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise on specific exercises to improve core muscle strength to support the lower back. Other general exercises would be swimming and cycling as these are low impact.
Also, hot or cold compresses to the lower back may help relieve tension. If these simple measures do not result in am improvement then there are other drugs that may reduce the pain. Stronger pain killers such as codeine-based medications may help but can cause drowsiness. Alternatively gabapentin and amitripyline can help. There is a place for epidural steroid injections for persistent sciatica.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
