Methods for sciatica: Advantages and Disadvantages

Posted on 06/11/202109/02/2022 by AdminBlog

By: Jorge Medina

We present the analysis of 15 methods so that you can choose the most efficient in your case and you can eliminate your discomfort in the best way.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture works to relieve sciatic pain. The probability that this condition will be corrected with this method is low. In general, it is possible to perceive improvement from the first session, however, around 4-6 sessions are recommended. The result depends a lot on the specialist.

Advantages:

Pain decreases from the first session
It is quite accessible.
It blocks pain.

Disadvantages:

You need several regular sessions to relieve pain.
You must find a talented specialist, and this is really difficult, as instead of helping you, it can aggravate your problem.
The effectiveness of acupuncture may decrease as time goes by.

Investment:

Sessions start at $25.00 USD.

Where to go?

Search the internet for certified specialists in your area that you can go to.

Cordus & Sacrus

Cordus and Sacrus are simple non-invasive tools that improve some spinal problems, including sciatica, herniated discs, scoliosis, low back pain, among others. Its high therapeutic effect is due to the fact that it relaxes the lumbar paravertebral and sacral muscles that are not accessible to the fingers of spine specialists. Easy for personal use.

Advantages:

Integral therapy with which you improve all areas of your spine: sacrum, lumbar, dorsal, cervical.
The pain decreases from the first use.
With several applications it gives a remarkable therapeutic effect
Provider offers a 100% refund if it didn’t work for you.

Disadvantages:

If you hate reading manuals, this is not your case.
You must have some patience and perform a certain number of sessions if you are looking for the correction of the problem.
You should not be forbidden to perform a massage on your back.

Investment:

The cost of Cordus or Sacrus starts at $89 USD.

Where to buy it?

Purchase it at www.cordus.com

Vertetrac

Vertetrac is the combination of a decompression system and a traction system. It is used to treat spinal injuries and disorders, including: back pain, scoliosis, sports injuries, herniated discs and sciatica. Three-dimensional traction forces relieve pain with horizontal, vertical and diagonal decompression.

Advantages:

Asymmetrical and symmetrical adjustments can be made for different spinal treatments.
With various applications, it gives a remarkable therapeutic effect.
And that the use of this device is safe, as long as you adjust it correctly.

Disadvantages:

It is a method that is more recommended for use by medical professionals and specialists, as the cost is very high.
The first adjustment should be supervised by a specialist.
It is not effective for cases when the cause of sciatic pain is located in the sacral area.

Investment:

The cost of this device starts at $24,800 MXN / $1,295.00 USD. They ship worldwide.

Where to buy:

In their official website https://meditrac.co.il/

Cupping for Sciatica

It is an ancient and natural treatment that helps to improve blood circulation in certain areas of the body. Cupping generates a vacuum effect on the skin, which increases the diameter of the blood vessels in that region, causing increased oxygenation of body tissues and releasing toxins from the blood and muscles.

Advantages:

Eliminates muscle contractions and increases blood flow.
It has an analgesic action, that is, it eliminates pain.
It has a depurative and detoxifying effect on the body.
Relaxing effect when treating contractures and muscle stiffness.

Disadvantages:

Its therapeutic effect is limited for conditions causing sciatic pain.
May cause discomfort, burns and skin infections.
It requires a professional for its application and to pay for several sessions.

Investment:

$85 USD to $125 USD per session per hour on average.

Where to buy:

https://texassportsmassage.com/cupping https://www.eastvillageacupuncture.com/cupping

BeActive

Knee braces Be Active are designed to relieve sciatic pain. According to user reviews, the chance of this tool working is 30-40%. You can wear it under your clothes to avoid pain during your daily activities.

Advantages:

It is very simple to use.
You can exercise and do your normal activities while wearing it.
The price is very affordable.

Disadvantages:

It does not give any therapeutic effect.
It only relieves pain while you are using it.
Its pain relieving effect is limited.

Investment:

Price varies, but starts at $350 MXN / $13 USD.

Where to buy:

https://www.teletiendaonline.com

Inversion tables

Inversion tables work with the traction method, which is the stretching along the spine, as a therapeutic action. With their constant use, pressure on the intervertebral spaces and on the nerve roots of the spine is relieved, a function that can be useful in the treatment of sciatica. It stimulates circulation and consequently relieves varicose veins. It is a natural and non-invasive method.

Advantages

Relieves back pain and muscle contractures.
Effective for stretching the spine.
With several applications it gives a remarkable therapeutic effect.
You have one month to return the money if it did not work for you.

Disadvantages

Not effective in cases where the cause of sciatica pain is located in the sacral area.
Several sessions are necessary to obtain results.
This type of spinal stretching can cause spinal instability.

Investment:

The price of inversion tables varies depending on several factors: quality, safety, warranty, etc. The most basic ones are at $130 USD and the most complete ones can reach $320 USD.

Where to buy:

On Amazon you can find a wide variety of inversion tables, from the simplest to the multifunctional ones. In addition, in pages of this type you can know the negative opinions of users and thus choose the most appropriate one.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Both methods, TENS and NMES, work from electrical current in order to relieve different areas of the body. Each act in a different way and have various purposes: The TENS method helps to stimulate the nerves, blocking pain signals, NMES stimulates the nerves in the muscles, causing contraction and artificial exercise.

While the TENS device is primarily used to block acute pain, the NMES method is useful for strengthening and reducing pain in the muscles.

Advantages:

Analgesic and non-invasive method
Unlike pain relievers, which carry a risk of abuse, addiction, and side effects, TENS is a safer treatment
If it is not effective, you can return it within the first 30 days

Disadvantages:

Low effectiveness for chronic pain (more than 3 months) according to studies by the American Academy of Neurology.
Additional expenses: You must change the patches after 15-20 sessions.
It could cause disturbances in the sensitivity of the skin.

Investment:

US$ 30 for a personal electrostimulator until to US$ 50

Where to buy?

Mercado Libre / EBay

Solidback

This device has a crescent shape and adapts to the contour of the spine. It works by decompression, which will relieve pressure on the spine.

Advantages:

Easy to use, non-invasive.
Serves to relax the lower back muscles.
You have one month to return the money if it didn’t work for you

Disadvantages:

Its therapeutic effect is limited for conditions causing sciatic pain.
Its size may be too large or too small for some people.
It is not effective for cases when the cause of sciatic pain is located in the sacral area.

Investment:

The price of this device starts at $28.00 USD.

Where to buy:

In its official website http://solidback.org/

Nubax

Nubax is a device that strengthens the spine and maintains back health. It can be functional for sciatica and a wide range of chronic back problems. This device uses the same therapeutic action as all traction devices to treat the spine.

Advantages:

Pain is usually relieved during use.
It is effective for stretching the spine.
With several applications it gives a remarkable therapeutic effect
You have one month to return the money if it didn’t work for you

Disadvantages:

It is not effective for cases when the cause of sciatica pain is located in the sacral area.
This type of spinal stretching can cause spinal instability.
There is no correct position, each person adjusts it to how he/she feels, which can have serious consequences.

Investment:

This device has a cost of $309 USD.

Where to see:

On their official website https://www.nubaxtraction.com

Foam Roller (device)

It is a simple tool consisting of a foam-covered roller, designed for myofascial release of different parts of the body. That is, the body is reloaded on this implement, which causes a release of mechanical and neural problems, facilitating blood flow and promoting oxygenation of the muscles.

Advantages:

Personal and easy use from home.
Relieves muscle tension and activates blood circulation.
Increased flexibility in the short or long term.
You have one month to return the money if it didn’t work for you.

Disadvantages:

Direct use on the lumbar area can generate the appearance of contractures as a defense mechanism.
It does not relieve pain immediately, it requires constant use.
Its therapeutic effect is limited for conditions causing sciatic pain.

Investment:

From $20 USD to $70 USD depending on the model.

Where to buy:

walmart.com or amazon.com

Acupuncture and Acupressure Mat

It is a very simple and easy-to-use accessory, useful to relieve pain. It is based on acupressure, that is, it activates the body through pressure, relieving muscular discomfort and stimulating blood circulation. It has on its surface elements with lotus flower designs or pointed circles, which facilitate the acupressure method.

Advantages:

Easy to use from home.
Relieves pressure and muscle tension.
Lightweight, portable and durable.
Inexpensive and readily available.

Disadvantages:

Poorly functional for relieving sciatic pain.
Great care must be taken with sensitive skin.
Several sessions are necessary to obtain results.

Investment:

From $30 USD to $60 USD depending on the model and brand.

Where to buy:

walmart.com or amazon.com

Therapeutic Massage

Professional therapeutic massages are a popular method to treat back pain, however they are not very effective in relieving the problem of sciatica. The outcome depends a lot on the specialist.

Advantages:

They help you relax and reduce stress.
Stimulates circulation and contributes to blood oxygenation.
They promote sleep.

Disadvantages:

Efficiency is limited for those suffering from sciatic pain.
It is more of a complement to the main treatment.
The minimum number of sessions required to see results is 5 to 8 sessions.

Investment:

The price per massage session ranges from $20.00 – $70.00 USD x session.

Where to buy:

Search the internet for qualified physiotherapists that are within your possibilities.

Chiropractic

It is also one of the most popular methods and at the same time one of the most confusing because the treatment can be very gentle or very aggressive, so much so that it can be dangerous. The result depends a lot on the specialist

Advantages:

The specialist eliminates the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
The lumbar or sacral vertebrae are repositioned so that the problem does not return immediately.

Disadvantages:

You have to find a good specialist, and this is really difficult, because instead of helping you, it can aggravate your problem.
The sessions have to be consecutive or else the problem will return.

Investment:

The price per session can vary, but the average range is from $30.00 USD – $60.00 USD.

Where to go:

Look for certified specialists that are close to you and according to your possibilities.

Therapeutic Yoga

Yoga can be useful to relieve sciatic pain since certain postures are used to help relax and stretch the muscles involved. In addition, it increases the strength of the muscles in the lower back.

Advantages:

By performing typical yoga stretches, space is generated between the vertebrae in the lower back and the sciatic nerve is freed from compression.
It helps you relax while performing a physical activity.

Disadvantages:

The time required to achieve a therapeutic effect is long.
Personal supervision by an experienced teacher is necessary.
It is not functional for instant pain relief. After an acute pain crisis, you must wait 24 to 72 hours to be able to practice it and not aggravate the pain.

Investment:

Prices vary depending on whether it is per session or per class per week but the price range is more or less like this, from $27 USD to $50 USD for 3 classes per week for a month. Or from $9.00 USD to $15.00 USD per session.

Where to practice:

There are a variety of studios and gyms where these classes are taught, check them out and ask if they have a teacher specialized in spinal conditions.

Therapeutic Exercises for Sciatica

This is a series of regular and constant exercises for stretching and strengthening of the spine and related muscles, such as the abdominal muscles, buttocks or hip, which produces relief from sciatic pain when relaxing and strengthening the spine.

Advantages:

With several applications it gives a remarkable therapeutic effect.

They can be performed at home or in rehabilitation centers.

They help to reduce pain and can prevent relapses.

They favor the exchange of nutrients within the discs and areas near the sciatic nerve.

Disadvantages:

Supervision by a specialist is required to perform the exercises, at least in the first stage.

High level of motivation and willpower is required to achieve results.

Improvement is long term and requires several sessions.

Investment:

$50 USD to $250 USD per session per hour on average, depending on the specialist.

Where to buy:

planochiropractor.net, brooklyndisccenter.com, spineandjoint.com

Injections

Steroid injections are a common choice for the treatment of sciatic pain and for many forms of low back pain and leg pain. They are effective in relieving pain.

Advantages:

Provides an almost immediate analgesic effect.
Produces sufficient relief to allow the patient to improve with a conditioning and exercise program.

Disadvantages:

Epidural injection is used in combination with a comprehensive rehabilitation program to provide additional benefit.
The injection alone does not help correct the true cause of sciatica.
Frequent use of injections can have very negative effects.

Investment:

The price of a single injection ranges from $550.00 USD.

Where to go:

This type of treatment should be performed in specialized clinics with certified doctors. Look for an option near you.

Surgery

Sciatica surgery is recommended in a minimum of cases. Emergency surgery is really necessary if the patient experiences leg weakness or incontinence in the bowel or urinary tract.

Make surgery your last option, consider it when none of the above remedies have worked for you to relieve sciatica or if your pain has lasted for a long time or if instead of reducing it only increases.

Advantages

Generally, relief is quick.
In certain cases, mobility is restored to 100%.

Disadvantages

It is a 100% invasive method.
You must rest and follow a special diet during recovery.
All surgery, especially spine surgery, has some risks.
There is a possibility that symptoms may return at some point.

Conclusion

Consider that there is no universal method because sciatic pain (hip pain) could be caused by multiple factors. Among the most common are protrusions, herniated discs, contractures and inflammations in lumbar and sacrum, listhesis, lumbar scoliosis, among others. Sometimes different causes affect simultaneously.

Therefore, the best option if you have enough money and availability of schedules is to treat sciatic pain in a specialized clinic, where they carry out the necessary studies and different treatments, guiding you through the entire process. You just have to make sure that the reputation of the clinic is good and that you are not being charged for unnecessary and annoying treatments.

If you don’t want to expose yourself or you are looking to solve your problem in the comfort of your home, the most versatile solution may be to acquire tools such as Cordus/Sacrus and, ideally, add some therapeutic exercises. Also, we like the Vertetrac device. On some occasions, tools such as Nubax or inversion tables can work well for you, also in combination with exercise. All these tools are endorsed by specialists and are used in his practice for the treatment of diseases that cause sciatic pain.

Success and good health…