Sciatica Leg Pain

Older people are prone to sciatica pain, and once sciatica pain occurs, they will definitely need to stay in bed. If the condition is mild and treated in time, then the chances of recovery are great. Otherwise, the pain may remain intermittent. Sciatica may manifest as pain in the lower back, legs, or even the entire body. Is there any good way to treat sciatica leg pain?

The sciatic nerve is known as the "King of the Five Mountains". As the thickest nerve in the human body, the initial part can be up to 2 cm thick. It originates from the spinal cord in the lumbar sacral region and is composed of lumbar nerves and sacral nerves (from L4-L5 nerves and S1-S3 nerve roots). It can be said that "many hands make light work". It passes through the pelvis and out the greater sciatic foramen to the buttocks, then runs down the back of the thigh to the foot. Controls sensation and movement of the lower limbs.

Clinical symptoms of sciatica: refers to radiating pain along the sciatic nerve distribution area, mainly in the arms, posterior thighs, posterior and lateral sides of the calves, and lateral sides of the dorsum of the feet. The early symptoms generally include pain and numbness in the lower limbs. It is usually unilateral, occurs mainly in adult males, and the onset is usually acute or subacute. The onset varies depending on the cause. The pain is burning or cutting, and may be aggravated by coughing or exerting force, especially at night. Therefore, if you find a similar situation, you should seek medical attention in time, make a clear diagnosis, rule out the possibility of other factors, and conduct a careful examination to prevent missed diagnosis and delay in the disease.

The cause of lumbar disc herniation is consistent with the reputation of the sciatic nerve. "Red flowers need green leaves to match, and big names need big names to follow." Lumbar disc herniation is the most common cause of sciatic nerve problems.

Most cases of lumbar disc herniation are related to long-term unreasonable posture. At first, it usually manifests as incorrect posture, hunchback, and local excessive force. Over time, it will cause chronic damage to the soft tissue, resulting in soft tissue strain and other chronic low back pain, so it is also called postural low back pain. Lumbar disc herniation is the result of further accumulation on this basis.

1. Bed rest treatment

Patients with sciatica should rest more, especially in the early stages of disc herniation, lying on a hard bed for 3-4 weeks. Some patients' symptoms can be relieved on their own. Bed rest is only suitable for patients with early symptoms.

2. Blockage and physical therapy

This method can be used in the acute stage of sciatica, but the "blocking injection" is to directly inject the drug into the spinal canal or around the nerve root to achieve local anesthesia to achieve the analgesic effect. However, the symptoms will return immediately after the blocking effect of the drug wears off.

3. Treatment with external application of traditional Chinese medicine

Topical application therapy is also a widely used and effective method in traditional Chinese medicine. It mainly utilizes the Chinese herbal ingredients in the topical application medicine to achieve the purpose of dispelling wind and cold, relieving spasms and unblocking meridians, and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Qiao’s Black Jade Paste is quite effective.

In addition, doctors also recommend that patients need to maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid strenuous exercise, eat a light diet, and avoid the stimulation of tobacco and alcohol.