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Suggest Treatment For Sciatica

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Question: I'm a 73 year old white male with BP under control, (124/76) and am in good health except for problems with sciatica. I've been using an inversion table for no more than 3 minutes at a time but recently noticed a pain over the ribs in my upper back region almost like a pulled muscle. I like the idea of easing pressure on my discs but should I hold off on the inversion table until the pain goes away in my back or is there something else I should be doing? - My name is XXXXXXX XXXXXXX and work full time as a legal consultant in XXXXXXX AZ.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sciatica die to slip disc? Inversion table isn't recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query

There is no sound literature on the reliability and effectiveness vs safety of an inversion table for the user in Sciatica.

You could be having a slip disc which is causing the sciatica. Do get an Xray and MRI of the lumbosacral spine to confirm.

Physiotherapy in the form of back extension exercises and low back strengthening exercises with TENS therapy will give excellent relief along with medication to treat pain and muscle spasm as well as anti-nerve pain drugs.

Avoid the inversion table. Apply cold packs to the affected region of the ribs. Avoid bending forwards or lifting weights. Take Tablet Diclofenac with Thicolchicoside combination twice a day for 5 days after meals and Tablet Pregabalin 75mg at night for a month.

Do upload the investigation reports as requested for a better understanding of your problem.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr.Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (57 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I'll get a referral from my regular physician. In the meantime, I appreciate the chance to contact another doctor.

Thanks again, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get well soon

Detailed Answer:
Thank you XXXXXXX

Get well soon.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T