Cynthia complained of pain in her lower back and tingling in her left foot after sitting at her computer all day. Jim experienced inexplicable sharp, sudden electrical sensations in his left calf. Debbi developed chronic aching in her back and thigh after “pulling something” during an exercise class. Jean had constant severe low back pain that radiated into her right leg for years following an automobile accident.
All these patients were suffering with sciatica. Sciatica isn’t actually a medical condition but a term used to describe symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or other sensations along the sciatic nerve. This nerve—the longest in the body—begins with nerve roots exiting the spinal cord in the lower back, runs down the hip, and branches out through the back of the leg to the ankle and foot. So you can see why irritation or injury to this nerve could have such diverse symptoms.
The primary underlying cause of sciatica is herniation of a lumbar disc. Intervertebral discs lie between adjacent bones, or vertebrae, in the spine. They have a soft center and tough exterior that enables them to cushion the vertebrae and help hold the spine in place. Herniation (also called a ruptured or slipped disc) occurs when an acute or repetitive injury or degeneration results in a break or tear in the outer layer, causing some of the soft inner gel to escape and impinge on a nerve.
The Truth About Scans and Surgery
Although herniated discs don’t always cause problems, when they do, it’s only natural that you’d want to do something like get an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. But my advice is to just wait. There is a growing consensus that most imaging scans for low back pain are an unnecessary waste of resources with a serious potential to harm. CTs expose patients to hefty doses of radiation, and findings on MRI, the most popular scans for patients with sciatica, have little correlation with symptoms. Many people with MRI-detected disc herniation have absolutely no symptoms!
Nevertheless, abnormal MRI findings all too often lead to surgery, which is just not all that effective. Research shows that 15–20 percent of patients have recurring or enduring sciatica whether they have surgery or not—and that 80–85 percent recover regardless of treatment.
In one recent study, repeat MRIs were done on 283 patients a year after they had undergone either surgery or conservative treatment for sciatica. About 84 percent of the patients in both groups reported a favorable outcome, yet MRIs revealed that disk herniation was still visible in 35 percent who had a favorable outcome—and in 33 percent who had an unfavorable outcome.
Time and TLC, the Best Healers
The majority of sciatica attacks clear up on their own within six to eight weeks. Herniated discs recede, symptoms resolve, and things get back to normal. But a number of treatments will put you on the fast track to recovery.
Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic are excellent therapies for sciatica. Massage gently stretches the muscles and helps release sciatic nerve compression. Acupuncture opens up energy pathways, with profound effects throughout the body, and chiropractic manipulations return supporting structures to their proper alignment.
We also offer a therapy called high-intensity laser. The most powerful pain-relieving medical laser available, it penetrates deep into the tissues to reduce swelling, increase circulation, and stimulate tissue repair.
What Can I Take for Pain?
I am not totally averse to very short courses of ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers, but I suggest that you try the natural route first, starting with the curcumin supplement Meriva. Curcumin is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties—and for its poor absorption. Meriva overcomes this by binding the herbal extract to lecithin for enhanced bioavailability. It really works. In fact, a recent study showed that 2,000 mg of Meriva was as effective as 1,000 mg of acetaminophen in relieving pain.
Some physicians prescribe analgesics, muscle relaxers, and nerve pain medications for sciatica, but I discourage their use—unless they’re applied topically. When specially prepared compounds of these drugs are rubbed into the skin over a painful area, you get rapid relief without dangerous side effects.
Practice Prevention
If you’ve ever experienced sciatica, you know that once is enough. Therefore, after the acute phase diminishes, you must take steps to prevent recurrences. Exercise is key, with a concentration on core muscle strength, spinal flexibility, posture, and proper body mechanics. Weight loss is also important. The human frame is not equipped to carry extra pounds, and the older we get, the less forgiving our backs become.
I want to close with an update on the four patients I mentioned earlier. Cynthia came in for a couple of chiropractic adjustments, but the real solution for her sciatica was to move her laptop computer to a tall table and work standing up for part of the day. Jim’s electrical sensations disappeared after two acupuncture sessions and never returned. Debbi’s symptoms resolved with two high-intensity laser treatments. She had a flare-up three months later, which was relieved by a single laser treatment.
Jean’s course was longer and more complicated. Over the years, she had temporary relief with several of these therapies, but her true salvation was exercise. About a year ago, she started doing CrossFit, an intense, structured exercise program. I recently ran into her and asked her how she was doing, and she realized she’d had no sciatica whatsoever in several months.
My Recommendations
- Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic are available in most areas and at the Whitaker Wellness Institute. Read more about high-intensity laser here.
- The suggested dose of Meriva for pain relief is 1,500–2,000 mg once or twice a day. Order online or by calling 800-810-6655.
- Topical prescription pain relievers must be ordered from compounding pharmacies such as Wellness Health Pharmacy at 800-227-2627.
- Severe, unrelenting sciatica may require further workup.
- For a complimentary consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Patient Services Representatives call 866-611-3720 or simply click on the button below.
