Sciatic pain, also known as sciatica, occurs when the nerve that runs from the spine and down both legs becomes injured or compressed, causing leg pain. Some underlying causes include tumors, fractures or injury of the pelvis, degeneration or herniation of the discs in the spine and narrowing of the spinal canal or spinal stenosis. According to Medline Plus, sciatica can cause severe pain and immobility.
Step 1
Try to find the cause. Severe leg pain could be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires specialized treatment. Causes of sciatic pain also include compression fracture from osteoporosis, a type of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis, spondylolisthesis or slipping of the vertebrae in the low back from injury, osteoarthritis, low back strain and a condition known as piriformis syndrome. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the cause of pain may be difficult to pinpoint even with imaging studies.
Step 2
Speak with your physician about medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, can calm inflammation and pain, but should only be used according to physician recommendations. Long-term use can have side effects. Another medication option that might bring temporary relief includes injecting a corticosteroid into the space that surrounds the spinal column, called an epidural steroid injection. Medications used to treat neuropathy, such as gabapentin, are also prescribed to treat sciatic pain.
Step 3
Seek treatment from a physical therapist. Piriformis Syndrome, a painful but benign cause of sciatica, can be helped with prescribed exercises performed under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The cause of pain is thought to be from nerve irritation that occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms. Stretching exercises are combined with other treatments.
Step 4
Alternate heat and cold compresses. Muscle spasm from sciatic pain can be temporarily relieved by applying either heat or cold to the low back where the nerve originates. The Merck Manual explains that warmth improves blood flow to the area and reduces inflammation. If heat fails to alleviate pain, try applying ice packs. In both instances, take care not to damage the skin. Never use ice or heat in areas where blood flow or sensation is compromised.
Step 5
Speak with your doctor about PENS therapy. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or PENS, was proven in a study to help patients with sciatic pain. The therapy uses probes inserted into the skin to simulate the nerves; similar to acupuncture needles. A PubMed study, published November 1999 notes, "Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: an alternative to TENS in the management of sciatica," compared transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to PENS therapy. Results showed sciatic pain relief was significantly higher in patients given PENS therapy.
