How to Reverse Sciatica

Sciatica refers to the pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve is aggravated or injured, most commonly from a herniated disk. This nerve runs from the spine through each side of the buttocks and down both legs. This pain can shoot down one or both legs and sometimes down to the feet and toes. Most cases heal with conservative treatments within six weeks to three months. In rare cases, surgery is necessary.

Instructions

• 1

  Lay and sit on firm surfaces. Soft chairs and beds can sometimes worsen pain and discomfort. When laying down on your back, try placing a pillow under your knees or between your knees when you are on your side; this will keep your back straight.

• 2

  Get adequate rest but do not stay in bed longer than two days unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Being sedentary for a prolonged period of time will actually aggravate your pain.

• 3

  Stay physically active; sciatica does not require complete cessation from physical activity. Moving around is actually beneficial; it can ease pain and discomfort and prevent stiffness. You will not be able to take part in vigorous, intense activity, but walking and other moderate forms of exercise are okay. As you begin to feel better, you can do more. If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your doctor.

• 4

  Use medications that ease pain and inflammation. If your pain is less severe, over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, Advil, Motrin and Aleve are sufficient. If your pain is more intense, your doctor might give you a corticosteroid injection or prescribe other medications used for pain relief.

• 5

  Use heat and cold to ease the pain. You can use ice packs, packages of frozen vegetables, electric heating pads or wrung-out towels that were placed under hot water. Experiment to see what feels better for you; it might be hot or cold or a combination of both.

• 6

  Work with a physical therapist. You can learn exercises to ease the pain, increase flexibility and improve range of motion.

• 7

  Experiment with alternative treatments and body work therapies. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends acupuncture, therapeutic yoga, osteopathic manipulation (which works on the musculoskeletal system), the Feldenkrais Method and the Trager Approach.

• 8

  Talk to your doctor if self-care is not improving your pain. If you still have significant pain after three months or so, surgical intervention might be necessary.