How to treat leg pain caused by sciatic nerve compression
Disease description:
Recently, my sciatic nerve has been compressed, causing severe leg pain, especially from the buttock all the way down the back of the calf. I often experience sharp, stabbing pain and numbness. Walking has also been significantly affected—I can barely walk for a while before my leg starts hurting badly again. I would like to know if there are any effective treatment options available.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Sciatica is usually caused by lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. The main methods for relieving leg pain caused by sciatic nerve compression are as follows:
1. Medication: During acute pain episodes, patients can take ibuprofen capsules or aspirin capsules to alleviate pain and inflammation. If significant edema is present, diuretic and anti-edema medications such as furosemide and losartan potassium-hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be required.
2. Physical therapy: Includes heat application, cold compresses, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, acupuncture, and massage, which help reduce nerve edema and inflammatory responses, and alleviate muscle tension and pain.
3. Rehabilitation exercises: Perform lumbar functional exercises, such as the "swallow flight" and "bridge" movements, to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and abdomen, improve posture, and reduce nerve compression.
5. Surgical treatment: Severe disc herniation or spinal issues may require surgery to relieve nerve compression.
6. Lifestyle modifications: Avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods, use proper lifting techniques, and maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the spine.
