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What to Do for Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that starts at the spinal cord and runs down the back into both legs. Sciatica refers to the pain that is caused by compression on this nerve. Speak to your doctor about ways to help treat your sciatica. There are several methods of treatment that can help ease the pain of sciatica.

  1. Hot/Cold Therapies

    • Hot and cold therapies can relieve pain and inflammation radiating from the sciatic nerve. For cold therapy, place an ice pack on the site of the pain for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you can't stand the feel of the ice directly on your skin, use a clean cloth between your skin and the pack. Repeat application every couple of hours until the sciatica goes away.

      If you plan to use heat at the pain site, you should wait at least two days if the pain was a result of an injury. A heating pad can be used to apply warmth to the injured area for about 15 minutes at a time. You can use this method every few hours throughout the day. Many people find relief by switching between hot and cold packs.

    Physical Therapy

    • You can do some basic stretching at home as a way to help your sciatic nerve pain. Stretch your lower back by extending your arms towards your toes. Hold the position for at least 30 seconds to a minute. Release the stretch and repeat at least five times. Perform the stretch several times a day to see if this helps reduce the sciatica pain.

      If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend working with a physical therapist as a way to find relief. A physical therapist will have you perform more advanced exercises that focus on strengthening your back muscles.

    Medications

    • Pain medicines can be recommended as a form of treatment for sciatica. This includes over the counter pain medications as well as prescription drugs. Over the counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen will be first recommended in lieu of stronger prescription versions. These medications can help relieve both the pain and inflammation caused by sciatica. In more serious cases, steroid injections can be given to the patient as a way to provide relief.

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