Sciatica (Back Pain) Symptom, Treatment, and Exercises

Sciatica is characterized by low back pain radiating down on the buttocks and below the knee. This is due to herniated or protruding intervertebral disk causing nerve root irritation. The most important elements in managing this problem consist of rest, pain relief and patient education. A two-day bed rest is very effective, but for some, it may take several days to relieve the pain.

Pain relief can be provided by non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or mefenamic acid. You learn how to protect your back from heavy objects, to use legs rather than back when lifting, to use chair with arm rests, and to get up from bed by first rolling to one side and then using the arms to push to an upright position. Surgery will be needed for this condition if there is direct evidence from x-ray procedures, a consistent pain syndrome, and a consistent weakness or neurologic deficit.