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Sciatic Nerve Remedies

Your sciatic nerve is a nerve that branches like a tree from your spinal cord to your buttocks, hips and finally through your legs. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve within the human body. If the nerve becomes damaged as a result of conditions such as a herniated disk, you can develop a disorder known as sciatica. Though the symptoms of sciatica can be extremely painful, symptoms usually resolve themselves within one to two months. There are some measures you can take in order to help alleviate symptoms.

  1. Activity

    • Though plenty of bed rest may seem like a good solution for sciatic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, inactivity can exacerbate symptoms. Resting for a few days is fine, as long as you don't do prolonged bed rest. It's best to continue as you normally would throughout your daily routine. Heavy lifting, however, is not recommended.

    Cold and Heat

    • When your pain initially begins, use an ice pack or a package of frozen peas on the area of pain. Using a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help alleviate symptoms of inflammation and pain. Alternating with a heating pad within the first two days of developing symptoms can also help alleviate pain.

    Pain Medications

    • You can use anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Tylenol may also alleviate pain. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, these types of medications can only help limit pain to a certain degree. You should never take more than the recommended dosage in a day, as severe side effects can occur such as ulcers, nausea and liver damage.

    Exercise

    • Low-impact exercises can help to alleviate sciatic symptoms. Simple stretches or even swimming can be helpful at the onset of pain. Once your pain has lessened, you can move on toward strength training exercises for your back. Never try to jump into an exercise in the beginning, as you can further damage the sciatic nerve or exacerbate your symptoms.

    Other Treatments

    • If you've tried treatments that have not worked, you can try alternative methods such as acupuncture. Since acupuncture is a controversial method for providing pain relief, you should find a licensed practitioner who is well trained, as stated by the Mayo Clinic. Other alternative treatments include massage, hypnosis and chiropractic treatment.

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