The mainstay of rational treatment of acute sciatica involves bed rest and antiinflammatory drugs. The authors recommended 2 weeks of complete bed rest with progressive gradual mobilization over the next 7-10 days. Buffered aspirin In a dosage of 10-15 grains every 4 hours is prescribed both for its analgesic effect as well as for its antiinflammatory properties. Through the low-back school, the patient is instructed in low-back hygiene. Physically capable patients are encouraged to begin an aerobic excercise program. In the absence of absolute indications for surgery (cauda equina syndrome or marked progressive muscle weakness) it seems reasonable to permit up to 3 months of conservative therapy before recommending surgery.

Bed rest and antiinflammatory drugs are the mainstay of conservative treatment for acute sciatica, with up to 3 months of conservative therapy before recommending surgery.

Paper

The Conservative Treatment of Sciatica

References

Citations