Treatment For Sciatica

Treatment for sciatica, like treatment for anything, begins with diagnosis. However, in this case, the results are especially important, as the diagnosis itself will dictate the ultimate course of action. While sciatica is just one disorder, it arises in multiple ways, making for multiple treatment plans.

In each case, the sciatic nerve is being pressured or inflamed in some way, which causes pain to run down both legs. The most common cause of this pressure on the nerve is a ruptured or slipped disk in the back, which puts pressure on the nerve's midpoint between the two legs. In some cases, only surgery can eliminate spinal pressure on the nerve entirely, though there are a number of more conservative options for less severe circumstances.

Treatment for Sciatica Related to Diabetes

The back, however, does not need to get involved at all for the sciatic nerve to act up. Those with diabetes may develop sciatica symptoms due to the way in which diabetes attacks the nerves of the body in general. Back surgery isn't going to do a whole lot for such a condition.

What those with diabetes can do is, as always, closely watch their blood glucose levels and choose their dietary options carefully. Supplements containing readily-absorbed forms of thiamine may also be an effective treatment for sciatica. Thiamine has been shown to protect nerves from the pain common to diabetes, the sciatic nerve included.