How to Treat an Inflamed Sciatic Nerve

If you've ever had sciatica pain, you surely don't want to experience it again. An inflamed sciatic nerve can cause extreme pain beginning in your lower back and traveling down the back of your leg. For many people, the condition is debilitating, resulting in sick days and immobility. While this condition rarely results in nerve damage, most sufferers seek out treatment so that they can continue with their daily lives. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Rest your back whenever the sciatic nerve flares. Good rest allows the sciatic inflammation to subside more quickly. Combine rest with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate pain.

• 2

  Apply cold packs right after you first notice pain from your sciatic nerve. Keep the cold pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes four times per day.

• 3

  Wait 48 hours and then begin applying heat to the affected area.

• 4

  Ask your doctor to show you some stretching exercises that may alleviate the pain. You doctor may also be able to refer you to a physical therapist for more assistance with exercises.

• 5

  Consider contacting an acupuncturist for treatment. Acupuncture is sometimes effective in treating back pain.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about the benefits of a corticosteroid injection if your pain continues. Many doctors combine corticosteroid injections with other therapies for optimal effectiveness.

• 7

  Evaluate the need for surgery if all other treatments fail to produce a positive outcome. Keep in mind that most doctors do surgery only when the sciatic nerve inflammation is causing incontinence, weakness or has not responded to therapy.