|  | Conditions Treatments | Back Pain

Sciatica Remedies

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It runs down from the lower spine into both legs controlling muscles and sensations. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated because of compression or strain. Pain follows the nerves down one leg, which may feel numb or weak. Movement is limited due to pain and stiffness in the lower back. Sciatica can start suddenly and then spontaneously disappear. Treatment can ease symptoms and pain.

  1. Initial Treatment

    • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to keep the pain and swelling down. Rest in any comfortable position available. Sitting or squatting tends to make the pain worse. Even standing still can cause waves of pain to cascade down the sciatic nerve. Do not remain inactive for more than two days. Bed rest longer than this will cause the symptoms of sciatica to worsen.

    Hydrotherapy

    • Place an icy cold compress on the affected area. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. If you use an ice pack, then lay a towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite. Place a hot compress on the area immediately following icing. Check the temperature before applying to avoid burning your skin. If the pain is covering a large area, then take a quick dip in a chilly swimming pool. Next spend some time in a hot tub immediately following the cold. This will help relieve pain and reduce any swelling that is compressing the sciatic nerve.

    Physical Activity

    • Take a slow walk to stretch out the nerve. Even though sciatica can limit mobility, do not stay inactive. Exercise as much as possible, but do not lift heavy objects or perform twisting movements until the pain is gone. One exercise to help relieve the pain through the lower back is the back arch. Get on your hands and knees on the floor. Be sure you are near some furniture to help pull yourself off the floor when you are done. Arch your back as high as you can toward the ceiling. Next, stretch your back down in a reverse arch by pushing your navel toward the floor. Do not bend your elbows while performing this back exercise. Do this three to five times to help relieve the pain.

    Physical Therapy

    • Physical therapy can help by relieving pain and strengthening the back muscles. The therapist can help relieve compression on the spine. Braces, splints and orthopedic shoes are prescribed if there is a loss of function. Acupuncture can reduce pain from the sciatic nerve.

    Medication

    • Prescriptions for corticosteroids are given in cases where self-care provides little results. Narcotics like codeine or morphine are used in severe cases of sciatica. Injections of botulinum toxin are an effective treatment for long-lasting bouts of sciatica.

Back Pain - Related Articles