The steps to treating sciatica and getting pain relief are to use targeted physical therapy to improve spinal mobility and to apply heat and cold therapy to manage discomfort. You should also discuss medication options with a healthcare professional and consider medical procedures for persistent or severe symptoms.
Harvard Health Publishing reports that as many as 40% of people are affected by sciatica during their lives. While this is a high number, it's surprising how many people don't know about this condition.
Treating sciatica starts with education; with the right information, you can make better-informed decisions about your health.
What Is Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain is also known as sciatica, and it's pain that goes along the sciatic nerve. This nerve stretches from your lower back through the hips and buttocks, and then down the legs.
You typically get sciatica when the nerve gets irritated, compressed, or inflamed. Causes include:
- Herniated disc
- Spinal narrowing
- Bone spur
Lower back discomfort is very centralized, but sciatic nerve pain is much broader and can even reach the toes. Sciatica symptoms include:
- Sharp burning sensations
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
The pain is typically only on one side since the sciatic nerve runs down separately on each leg.
How Can I Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain?
There are multiple causes of sciatic nerve pain, such as nerve compression. This means that you can consider a few solutions. Here are the top ways people find relief.
Use Targeted Physical Therapy to Improve Spinal Mobility
Physical therapy is an effective way to relieve pain, as it can address the movement restrictions and muscle imbalances that add to your discomfort. When you go to a pain management center, they'll assess your:
- Mobility
- Strength
- Posture
- Symptom patterns
From there, they can develop a customized exercise program. The goal is to improve your mobility and reduce unnecessary strain on your lower back.
Make sure to be consistent, as results will be gradual, not immediate. Don't give up just because you aren't noticing anything major.
Apply Heat and Cold Therapy to Manage Discomfort
If you have a chronic ache, then heat and cold can help. In general, you should use cold packs to soothe an irritated area, especially if symptoms have flared up. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
On the other hand, if your muscles feel stiff and tight, then a heating pad or warm compress can be nice. Make sure it's a comfortable temperature and apply for 150-20 minutes at a time, too.
Some people like to alternate between the two types of therapy, but you should figure out what works best for your body. There should always be a protective layer between your skin and the heat or cold source.
Discuss Medication Options With a Healthcare Professional
If your sciatica pain is so bad that it interferes with daily life activities, then you may need medication. Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. There are also other prescription treatments, but there's limited evidence that those medications have any benefits, and they cause side effects, too.
For the right approach, your doctor will consider:
- Underlying cause
- Symptom severity
- Individual risk factors
Do note that you should never combine pain medications or increase the dosages without consulting your doctor.
Consider Medical Procedures for Persistent or Severe Symptoms
Conservative treatments don't always work, so in that case, you may need medical procedures. A non-invasive option is epidural corticosteroid injections, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. This may only have short-term effects, but they may be enough for you to get through physical rehabilitation more easily.
A more serious route is surgery, especially if there's significant nerve compression and your doctor has ordered further imaging. For example, a discectomy can remove part of a herniated disc that's pressing against a nerve. This may be necessary if you start getting serious neurological problems, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Sciatica Pain Get Worse as the Day Goes On?
Yes, sciatica pain can become worse as the day goes on, but it really depends on the person. For example, if you sit all day at your desk or stand for extended periods, this can put additional pressure on your lower back and aggravate the sciatic nerve. For others, their symptoms are the worst in the morning, especially if they slept in an uncomfortable position.
It's important to keep track of when your symptoms appear, as this can help you identify potential triggers. Do note that if the discomfort becomes worse or is accompanied by new weakness, you should see your doctor.
What Should I Avoid if I Have Sciatica?
You should avoid any movements and activities that consistently make your symptoms worse. Examples of what could irritate the nerve include:
- Heavy lifting
- Sudden twisting
- Repeated bending
- High-impact exercise
You shouldn't avoid all physical activity, though. It's best to choose gentle activities to reduce stiffness and help with mobility. Just remember never to push through significant pain; you should stop immediately.
Can Sciatica Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, sciatica can go away on its own, especially if it happened from temporary nerve irritation or a herniated disc. Many people get relief within a few weeks, but full recovery can take longer, depending on the cause and severity.
While you're in recovery, keep doing gentle movements and follow self-care recommendations. If you have persistent symptoms, or the pain interferes with your everyday activities, then see your doctor.
The following symptoms require emergency medical attention:
- New bladder or bowel control problems
- Numbness around the groin
- Severe or progressive leg weakness
Treating Sciatica Is Possible
Sciatica pain can go away on its own, but it's better to be proactive about treating sciatica. Because there are so many possible causes, having your doctor do an exam and discuss your health can be the best route, as they can then determine the underlying cause and put together a customized treatment plan.
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This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
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