The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, according to Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson, orthopedic surgeon and founder of the Spine Universe website. If this nerve becomes injured or inflamed, sciatica is the result, producing symptoms such as a burning or tingling down the leg, a sharp pain that makes it difficult to walk or stand and a constant pain on one side of the buttocks. As Dr. Stephen H. Hochschuler of Spine-Health says, a majority of people suffering from this condition can expect it to relieve itself within a matter of weeks or months.
Step 1
Try alternating hot and cold. In the initial phase of the injury, both the Mayo Clinic and Hochschuler recommend using hot and cold packs to relieve the pain, reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. In most cases, patients begin with cold packs for the first two to three days before switching to hot packs. Apply packs to the area of injury for 20 minutes every two hours. The cold helps reduce inflammation, while the hot improves blood circulation to initiate the healing process.
Step 2
Take over-the-counter medications. Take a pain reliever in conjunction with various remedies to expedite the pain relieving process. The Mayo Clinic says that patients have a choice between acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen simply relieves pain, while ibuprofen relieves pain and reduces inflammation simultaneously. Take only as the bottle prescribes, because excessive amounts can result in serious side effects such as liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach ulcers.
Step 3
Begin exercising regularly. The Mayo Clinic says that regular exercise releases endorphins, chemical messengers in the brain. These endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers, and low-impact exercises such as riding a stationary bike or performing water exercises, help keep patients active without making their sciatica symptoms worse. These exercises also help strengthen the core muscles of the body, which helps prevent this type of injury from recurring.
Step 4
See a massage therapist. Hochschuler points out that massage therapy may benefit patients suffering from sciatic nerve pain in a number of ways. It not only relaxes the muscles, it also increases blood circulation to the injured area while releasing endorphins.
Step 5
Talk to the doctor about prescription pain killers. Patients sometimes need a stronger pain reliever if other attempts prove unsuccessful. According to the Mayo Clinic, a doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant in combination with an anti-inflammatory drug or may choose to use a narcotic for short-term use. In some cases, tricyclic antidepressants are also an option--these help block pain messages to the brain or increase the production of endorphins.
