Treating Sciatica Pain in Older Adults

Sciatica is a condition and term used to describe leg pain that is usually accompanied by numbness and weakness. This condition can become debilitating and may affect up to 25% of the population. Currently, the majority of guidelines recommend pharmacological management for the pain relief of sciatica; however, the evidence supporting the use of medications for this condition is scarce, and the majority of clinical trials do not include older patients. Thus, there is very little information on the efficacy, safety, and tolerance of these medicines in older patients with sciatica. ED: On the other hand, there is a fair amount of evidence supporting spinal manipulation—the primary form of treatment offered by doctors of chiropractic—for the treatment of sciatica.

[Read more at Drugs Aging, October 2016]