Sciatic nerve treatments fall into three basic categories: manual, medical, and surgical. Manual sciatic nerve treatments include therapy by a licensed physical therapist. One of the modalities used by physical therapists for pain relief is therapeutic ultrasound--like that found in MendMeShop Therapeutic Ultrasound. In addition, specific strengthening and stretching exercises are included in the daily regimen. Manual manipulation by a chiropractor or osteopathic doctor may be done to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve root.

Medical treatments for sciatic nerve pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural steroid injections at the site of nerve damage, or oral steroids. Prior to the administration of medication such as the epidural injection, diagnostic testing such as a CAT scan or MRI is usually done to identify the source of the injury to the sciatic nerve.

Surgical intervention is often the last resort for controlling sciatic nerve pain. Removing the portion of the disc that is causing irritation to the nerve root (microdiscectomy or lumbar laminectomy and discectomy) may be warranted if more conservative sciatic nerve treatments fail. Disc replacement or spinal fusion may be required in extreme cases to remove the pressure completely on the sciatic nerve.

The first step in sciatic nerve treatment is to obtain an accurate diagnosis. See your back specialist for a personalized plan for managing sciatic nerve pain. For detailed information about how MendMeShop Therapeutic Ultrasound products can be used effectively as sciatic nerve treatments, continue to read more here.