Sciatic nerve pain can be debilitating. When your sciatic nerve is compressed or inflamed, it is called sciatica. In addition to severe pain in your lower back, buttock, and leg, sciatica can cause numbness and tingling sensations in one or both of your lower extremities. Here are some complementary treatment options your St Augustine pain management physician may recommend to help manage your sciatic nerve pain.
Cold Compresses
While a heating pad may seem like an appropriate treatment option for sciatic nerve pain, it can actually worsen your symptoms. Your pain management physician may recommend icing the affected area or applying cold compresses to your lower back to help reduce inflammation and pain. While heat may help soothe soreness, it will do little to diminish inflammation, which is the primary reason for sciatic nerve pain. When applying ice packs to your back, be sure to use a barrier such as a folded towel between your skin and the ice. Prolonged exposure to cold can cause frostbite and soft tissue injuries.
Acupuncture
Another complementary intervention your St Augustine pain management physician may recommend for treating your sciatic nerve pain is acupuncture. It is thought to raise the levels of certain chemicals in the body that help reduce the transmission of pain signals to the brain. While acupuncture as a standalone treatment option may help improve your symptoms, you may enjoy more relief when it is combined with the prescription pain medications prescribed by your pain management physician.
