How to Manage Sciatica

Sciatica is pain that occurs because of a problem impacting the sciatic nerve, which passes from the back down the legs. According to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus, sciatica is an indication or symptom of another medical problem, and this problem may need to be treated in order to clear up sciatica. For some others, sciatica may be temporary and clear up without treatment in a month or two.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers

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Instructions

Managing Sciatica

• 1

  Treat the pain from sciatica at home. The Mayo Clinic recommends steps like taking over-the-counter painkillers, using hot and cold packs, and stretching as well as exercising. Medline Plus recommends icing the affected area for two or three days after the development of pain and then using heat. Changing the position you sleep in may also help: Medline Plus recommends sleeping in the fetal position with a pillow placed between the knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees.

• 2

  Perform physical therapy exercises as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist; this is often recommended in the case of a herniated disk. Physical therapy can help strengthen back muscles and increase flexibility so that the condition is less likely to recur, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 3

  Take prescription medications as recommended by your doctor in order to clear up pain from sciatica. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, prescription painkillers, and tricyclic antidepressants as well as anticonvulsant medications. Corticosteroid injections may also be recommended.

• 4

  Discuss surgery with your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. Surgical options include lumbar laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebrae, called the lamina) or microdiskectomy, which works through a small surgical cut and is guided by a microscope, according to the Mayo Clinic. Surgery should help relieve pressure on the nerve.