A patient suffering from an attack of sciatica should go to bed and place a bolster under the knee of the affected leg, so that he rests with the leg slightly curved. This causes a lessening of the pain. Purges, hot baths and sweat-cures constitute the further treatment. It is unwise to endure the pain and hobble about until forced to go to bed. By going to bed at once, recovery—both temporary and permanent—is rendered more probable. Long-continued and obstinate cases require recourse to a wealth of thera peutic measures, which only a physician can apply to each individual case. Water-cures, medicines, cupping, blisters, massage, gymnastics, baths and manipulation (stretching) of the nerve, are among the procedures which may bring about recovery.
Success will not fail if the affected person is persistent and patient, and does not allow himself to be led astray by charlatans who promise much but accomplish little. Sciatica is an affection which tries the souls of men, both patients and doctors. One of the greatest curses following in its train is the development of the morphine habit. One should avoid this drug until the last ditch of human ability to stand suffering has been reached.
SCOPARIUS.—The dried tops of the common broom, or Cvtisus scoj5arius. The active principles are an alkaloid called sparlein, and a neutral substance, scoparin. It depresses the nervous system, particularly the endings of the motor nerves, stimulates the circulatory system, and increases the amount of urine secreted. All of these actions are utilised to some extent in medicine. Scoparius is used to quiet tremors, and will often cure obstinate hiccup.
It is used also as a stimulant to the heart and kidneys. The infusion of scoparius is given in doses of one or two tablespoonfuls.
SCOPOLAMIN.—An alkaloid obtained from the root of the Scopolia atropoides, a plant of southern Europe. Its action is much like that of atropine and of hyoscyamin. Scopolamin acts chiefly on the brain (causing sleep, and often a low delirium) and on the spinal cord, which it depresses, particularly the sexual centre. It causes a dryness of the throat, like that following the use of atropine. It is used chiefly to produce sleep in certain forms of insanity. An over-dose calls for emptying of the stomach and adminis tration of tannic acid.