Dealing with Sciatica: Main Solutions
Sciatica is a type of pain that occurs more frequently than one would like and can significantly affect the quality of life. This pain is usually caused by compression of a nerve in the spine, with mechanical causes being the most common, such as osteoarthritis, wear and tear of the area, degeneration of the spinal disc or spasm of the muscles of the lumbar and gluteal region.
Sciatica manifests as a sensation of electric shock, numbness or pain that radiates down the leg, from the lower back to the foot, and may even reach both extremities. The most common symptoms include pain that runs down one or both legs, numbness in a specific area, and sensations of electricity, burning or hypersensitivity in specific areas.
Causes of Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve at the spinal level is the main cause of sciatica. This compression can occur in different vertebral segments, such as the cervical, dorsal or lumbar regions, depending on where the nerve is affected. The main causes include herniated discs, disc protrusions, osteoarthritis or other conditions that reduce the space through which the nerve passes.
Knowing the exact cause and degree of involvement is essential to decide on the appropriate treatment, since compression at one vertebral level is not the same as compression at several levels simultaneously.
Treatments for Sciatica
There are several treatment options to alleviate sciatica pain, ranging from pharmacological techniques to more advanced interventions. Among the most common treatments are:
- Epidural injections: Injections of local anesthetics, corticosteroids or regenerative therapies applied directly to the area of inflammation, providing fast and effective pain relief.
- Dorsal root ganglion radiofrequency: This technique uses a needle that transmits electricity to modulate pain transmission in the central nervous system, which helps to significantly reduce pain intensity.
- Intradiscal treatments: These consist of the application of radiofrequency techniques, laser or active substances directly on the injured disc to reduce the volume of the herniation or protrusion and reduce the pressure on the nerve.
These procedures often offer significant pain relief, with results that can last more than six months. In addition, they are minimally invasive treatments, which means they do not require surgery or long recovery periods.
Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery
To achieve lasting relief, it is essential to combine these treatments with a rehabilitation and physiotherapy program. These exercises help strengthen the musculature of the affected area, reducing pressure on the nerves and improving spinal stability.
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of sciatica. The goal is to relieve the pain as soon as possible, allowing the disc to resorb naturally and eliminating the nerve compression that causes the pain. In this way, long-term results can be achieved, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Jorge Orduña
Medical Director MIVI Salud and Director MIVI Salud Valencia