The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body that runs from the lumbar, or lower, back to the back of the foot. The term sciatica describes the symptoms that are associated sciatic nerve compression and includes pain, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation that starts in the back and runs down the back of the leg. Sciatic nerve compression can be caused by a slipped disk, piriformis syndrome, trauma or spinal tumors, states the Mayo Clinic. A patient should see a doctor if he is experiencing these effects to seek the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ice and Heat Therapy
A patient with sciatic should try applying ice to the area that is symptomatic, states Medline Plus. He should apply ice for 20 minutes, then, remove for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This cycle should be repeated as often as possible for the first two days. He should then alternate between ice pack and heat packs, each for 20 minutes. Heat will loosen up muscles around the sciatic nerve that may be causing compression.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be used to treat sciatic nerve symptoms. Specifically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be used, such as Aleve, Advil or Motrin. The Mayo Clinic states that in severe cases, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants or narcotics may be prescribed to relieve severe sciatic nerve pain.
Physical Therapy
Sessions with a physical therapist may reduce the symptoms of sciatic nerve compression. A physical therapist will provide rehabilitation exercises that can correct posture, strengthen the muscles that support the spine and increase flexibility of your legs and spine, states the Mayo Clinic. Although physical therapy sessions are limited, a patient with sciatica should continue the exercises he learned in physical therapy at home.
Epidural Steroid Injection
In severe cases, an epidural steroid injection may be warranted. This procedure involves the doctor injecting corticosteroid and numbing medication along the spinal nerve that is compressed as it exits from the spinal column.
Corticosteroids may reduce inflammation around the sciatic nerve and relieve symptoms. The Mayo Clinic states that these corticosteroid injections provide relief of symptoms, but do not cure the cause of compression of the sciatic nerve. Each patient is only limited to three corticosteroid injections around a specific nerve per year to avoid complication of corticosteroid use.
