Sciatica is a very common condition, affecting nearly three million Americans every year. It occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, pinched or injured, and can be caused by everything from a bulging disk to osteoarthritis and pregnancy. People with sciatica experience pain that travels from the lower back into the buttocks and down the leg along the sciatic nerve, often causing a burning or electric shock sensation, numbness and tingling.
While medications do not treat the root cause of sciatica, they can help significantly reduce sciatica pain, and are often used in conjunction with other targeted therapies to provide patients with relief.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Mild to moderate sciatica pain is typically treated with over-the-counter (OTC) oral medications first.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Prescription Anti-Inflammatories
For more severe, chronic inflammation, doctors may prescribe stronger NSAIDs.
- Diclofenac (Cataflam)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Meloxicam (Mobic).
Nerve Pain Medications
If a patient is experiencing shooting or burning nerve pain, anticonvulsants may be prescribed.
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxers are sometimes prescribed in the short-term to calm painful muscle spasms in the lower back and legs.
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Antidepressants
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) or tricyclics can be used to treat chronic sciatica by altering how the brain perceives nerve signals. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help re-train the brain.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Amitriptyline (Endep)
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
Oral Corticosteroids
A short course of oral steroids, like prednisone, may be prescribed to rapidly knock down severe inflammation around the nerve root.
Epidural Steroid Injections
For severe cases, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) offer stronger, localized relief, delivering the medication directly near the nerve root.
Treatment for Sciatica Pain in Newport News, VA
Medications can be very effective at relieving sciatica pain, but because they treat the symptoms rather than the root cause, they are most effective when combined with other targeted therapies.
At Orthopaedic & Spine Center, we take a multi-modal approach to treating sciatica, including physical therapy and oral medications, as well as epidural steroid injections for patients who need more intervention than pills and physical therapy can provide. Surgery may also be considered in patients who do not respond to medications and exercise.
For comprehensive sciatica treatment in Newport News, VA, call Orthopaedic & Spine Center at 757-596-1900 or request an appointment online.