Sciatica refers to pain radiating along sciatic nerve branches and pathways starting from the back, down to the buttock and leg. MayoClinic.com reports that the hallmark of sciatica is pain that radiates from the lumbar spine to the buttock and then down the back of the leg. In addition, sciatica is a symptom and not a disorder, and when sciatic pain is present, it might be indicative of a herniated disk.
Step 1
Rest. Resting and staying off your feet for a few days can bring relief to sciatic leg pain; however, prolonged bed rest is not prudent because too much inactivity will cause your signs and symptoms to worsen, warns MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Discuss physical therapy with your doctor. If your sciatic leg pain is related to a herniated disc, physical therapy can offer dramatic relief. After acute pain improves, your health care provider or physical therapist can develop a rehabilitation treatment plan to help prevent future injuries.
Step 3
Purchase over-the-counter pain medication. OTC medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, and analgesic medications such as acetaminophen, or Tylenol. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDS, reduce both pain and swelling, while acetaminophen-based medications only treat pain. Both types of drugs, however, can be helpful for sciatic leg pain. Only take as directed on the label, and if you are taking prescription medication, check with your doctor before using. Although usually, safe, these medications can be contraindicated with certain medications and medical conditions.
Step 4
Apply cold and hot packs. At the first sign of pain, apply an ice pack to the affected area several times a day for up to 20 minutes each time. Cold packs reduce swelling and pain, and can be followed by the application of hot packs after three days. In addition, never apply ice directly to skin, as this can cause tissue injury. Using hot packs or a heating pad offers soothing pain relief; however, it does not reduce inflammation. Apply heat to the affected area as needed, and always keep your heating pad set to the lowest setting.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about corticosteroid medication injections to relieve your sciatic leg pain. Corticosteroids suppress swelling around the irritated nerve, which help alleviate pain. Although effective, these injections can cause local irritation and the number of injections you are allowed is limited, so discuss this treatment option with your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Try stretching. Mild stretching exercises might help relieve compression of the nerve root, thereby relieving pain. Avoid twisting, bouncing or jerking during your stretch, and attempt to hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds.
- If your sciatic leg pain is accompanied by numbness or escalating pain, promptly seek medical attention. You might have a serious condition such as a ruptured disk, and failure to secure evaluation and treatment might result in permanent nerve damage.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Hot and cold packs
- Physical therapy regime
- Epidural injection
