What can be done about left-sided sciatica?
Disease description:
I have recently experienced severe pain in my left sciatic nerve, with radiating pain from the buttock all the way down the leg. The pain especially worsens after prolonged sitting or standing. Now, I even walk with a slight limp, which has significantly affected my life. I would like to know what effective treatments are available for left sciatic nerve pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Sciatica is not a disease but rather a symptom. Common causes include lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis.
Treatment for left-sided sciatica:
1. General treatment: During acute episodes, bed rest is recommended along with reduced activity of the left limb. The mattress should not be too soft. However, prolonged bed rest should also be avoided to prevent complications.
2. Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and inflammation; if symptoms are caused by nerve compression, analgesics or muscle relaxants may be required.
3. Physical therapy: Physical treatments such as heat therapy, pelvic traction, and electrotherapy, as well as traditional Chinese therapies like acupuncture and massage, can help alleviate pain.
4. Lifestyle modifications: Maintain proper sitting and standing posture, avoid staying in the same position for prolonged periods, engage in appropriate exercise, manage body weight, and reduce stress on the spine.
5. Interventional treatments: Some patients may require interventional procedures such as nerve root block or intrathecal drug pump implantation.
6. Surgical treatment: When conservative treatments are ineffective and symptoms severely impact quality of life, surgery may be considered, such as lumbar discectomy or lumbar fusion.
