Sciatica--pain in the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of both legs--often is caused by a bulging disc in the spine that compresses the root of the nerve, according to the Merck Manual. Patients experience tingling or burning pain that radiates from the buttocks down the back of one leg and becomes worse with sneezing, coughing, laughing, bending backward or walking, according to the National Institutes of Health. The patient also might have back pain or numbness and weakness in the leg. At-home treatment usually is successful but some patients require physical therapy, prescription medications or even surgery.
Step 1
Stop the activity that causes pain and rest. Bed rest for 24 to 48 hours, lying with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees, can relieve pain, according to the Merck Manual.
Step 2
Place a pillow between your legs when you lie of your side to relieve pressure on your back. If you sleep on your back, place the pillow under your knees, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Step 3
Apply ice for 20 minutes to the affected area and repeat several times a day for the first two or three days, then switch to heat applications with a heating pad, hot pack or heat lamp, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugw such as ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain and inflammation, if needed. Consult your health-care provider about taking these medications because they can cause serious side effects if taken for more than three days or if you have kidney, liver or heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Stretch your lower back gently several times a day to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
Step 6
Exercise regularly, beginning with low-impact activities such as water exercise or stationary cycling. As you feel better, progress to a combination of aerobic, core stability and strength exercises to prevent future injuries to your back.
Step 7
Consult your health-care provider if the pain does not improve or worsens. Depending on the cause of the sciatica and the severity of the pain, you might benefit from physical therapy, injections into the nerve, prescription medication or surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis and chiropracty, have been shown to relieve back pain in some patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Seek immediate medical attention if your back pain is the result of a severe injury; if you have redness, swelling, a fever, pain that travels below the knee; weakness or numbness in the thigh, leg, pelvis or buttocks; pain that worsens when you lie down or is so severe that you cannot get comfortable; or incontinence--loss of control of your bowels or bladder.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Heating pad, heat pack or heat lamp
- Pillows
