Home Care Protocol for Sciatica

Sciatica: What is it and how is it treated? via Web MD

If you have 10/10 low back and or leg pain you may want to visit Moss Creek Orthopedic Urgent Care, (843) 836-7022  for an MRI, steroid injection, muscle relaxers and/or pain medication.

Home Care Protocol for Sciatica:
1.) Avoid Sitting. Laying on your back removes pressure on the lumbar disc, standing is somewhere between.
2.) Don't lift more than 5 lbs. When you cough or sneeze, support yourself by holding a pillow on your stomach.
3.) Reduce inflammation and feed the disc

• For 24 hours use this icing protocol: 10 minutes on low back / 10 minutes off / 10 minutes on again every 2 hours
• Use an over the counter anti-inflammatory treatment, i.e. NSAID and a topical anti-inflammatory
•  Take a disc-feeding supplement such as Glucosamine with Chondroitin Turmeric MSM Boswellia. Tumeric and Boswellia are spices that have an anti-inflammatory effect  

4.) Do NOT use heat on the low back. It might feel good, but it can exacerbate inflammation, making you worse.
5.)  If you have very acute low back pain 9-10/10 try this: Extreme Low Back Pain, Sciatica, Disc Herniation - Gentle Traction  2 - 3x per day or more
6.) If you can do #5 with ease try this: Gentle Knee to Chest Stretches for Low Back Arthritis  2 - 3 x per day or more
7.) If you can do #6 with ease try this for 10 minutes, 2 - 3 x per day or more: Lay with your back on a (cushioned) floor with your feet over an ottoman.
8.) If you can do # 7 with ease try this 10 minutes, 2 - 3 x per day or more: Lay on your back with your feet up the wall...You do NOT need to straighten your legs on the wall. 

#7 and #8 - These stretches gently traction the low back and send fresh healing blood to the area of injury. They are very simple but highly effective. There is no upper limit on how long you can stay in this position, but stay for at least 10 minutes 2-3x/day.

9.) If your sciatica is caused by a disc injury, you might feel better before the disc is healed. Remember reinjuring an already injured disc can get you into real trouble. A disc that might have healed in a few weeks could be reinjured and could take 6 months to a year to recover.

The above assumes a disc injury.  Here are other common issues that could be causing sciatic-like pain.

• Piriformis Syndrome:  If you pain  is in buttocks and back of thigh, but does not go below the knee you may have Piriformis Syndrome:  Try this PT's 5 Best Sciatica Stretches for Piriformis Syndrome .  Listen to your body - don't overstretch or push yourself if any of these stretches are very difficult.
• ITB Syndrome: If you have pain at the lateral thigh and lateral knee you may have ITB Syndrome; Try this PT's IT Band Syndrome Stretches & Exercises.  Listen to your body - don't overstretch or push yourself if any of these stretches are very difficult.

- 
Kelley LeBlanc, D.C.
Kelley Chiropractic and Wellness
Village at Wexford
1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Ste K100
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 321-8119
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