Notes on relationships with people with sciatica

Sciatica is a common bone and joint disease that not only causes many difficulties in daily life but also affects the patient's sex life.

Dr. Kim Thanh Tri, Spinal Neurology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital System, said that sciatica does not affect physiological function but causes pain and especially affects the area from the waist down. This is the area that is most active during sex. Therefore, if the patient has intercourse with strong intensity and in the wrong position, it can lead to severe pain. Over time, symptoms of paralysis, pain, and muscle weakness in the compressed sciatic nerve area can make the patient feel uninterested, have difficulty concentrating during sex, and seriously reduce the quality of "love".

Sciatica can reduce the quality of a patient's sex life. Photo: Freepik — Sciatica can reduce the quality of a patient's sex life. Photo: *Freepik*

When suffering from sciatica, to have a more fulfilling sex life, the patient should:

Talk to your partner: Patients should share their condition with their partner. From there, both can discuss to find the best solution for their sex life.

Moderate frequency of intercourse : People with sciatica should have intercourse about 1-3 times per week, at a gentle level.

Choose appropriate positions: People with sciatica should avoid positions that require a lot of strength in the back to limit pain and discomfort.

Keep your mind relaxed : Patients should get enough rest, limit stress, and avoid having sex while suffering from acute pain.

Doctor Thanh Tri in a surgery to treat spinal nerve disease. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital — Doctor Thanh Tri in a surgery to treat spinal nerve disease. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

According to Dr. Thanh Tri, the best way to prevent sciatica from affecting your sex life is to treat the disease. Depending on the severity, patients will be prescribed different treatment methods such as:

Hot or cold compresses: When sciatica patients apply hot compresses, high temperatures will reduce muscle tension and spasms; increase joint range of motion, dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and oxygen... On the contrary, cold compresses help reduce muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, swelling, constrict blood vessels and cause a numbing effect... thereby effectively reducing pain.

Medication : Both prescription and non-prescription medications may be prescribed to treat sciatica, including: anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, anticonvulsants...

Gentle stretching exercises can significantly improve sciatica pain. Patients should consult with a health professional to find the right exercises and perform them properly.

Physical therapy : Exercises to strengthen the spine and muscles of the lower back, abdomen, buttocks, and hips; stretch stiff and inflexible tendons and muscles; improve overall health....

Lumbar steroid injections are indicated for the purpose of pain relief, so that the patient can participate in physical therapy exercises more easily. In addition, this method also helps diagnose the cause of the pain, thereby identifying damaged nerves and having appropriate treatment methods.

Surgery is considered when symptoms of pain, numbness and weakness in the legs persist or progress severely despite previous medical treatments. In addition, patients may be indicated for surgery if they have problems such as: Cauda equina syndrome, sciatica affecting both legs...

Besides sex, sciatica also causes many difficulties in daily life. Therefore, patients should see a doctor for timely advice and treatment.

Phi Hong

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