The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and supplies the lower half of the body with nerve signals. This nerve can become pinched, either due to a slipped disc or some other anatomical problem in the lower back or pelvis, because the nerve runs near several different structures in those parts of the body. Sciatic pain can be severe and make daily activities difficult. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways to relieve pain caused by problems with the sciatic nerve.
Step 1
Rest. Patients who are experiencing inflammation of the sciatic nerve will need at least two to three days of bed rest, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons explains. This rest will give time for the inflammation and swelling to go down, which will lessen the nerve pain. Resting in certain positions can also relieve this pain, MedLinePlus notes. Curling up into a fetal position with a pillow between your legs can help reduce the pressure put on the nerve; patients who prefer to sleep on their backs should place a rolled up towel or a pillow underneath their knees, as this can also help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Step 2
Apply heat and ice. MedLinePlus recommends that patients apply ice packs to the sore portions of the body for the first 48 to 72 hours after the pain starts or flares up. The ice will help numb the nerve and will also reduce inflammation. After this period of time, heat packs, which can be purchased from most drugstores, will help loosen up the muscles and surrounding tissue and may make movement easier.
Step 3
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs, which include naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen, will help relieve the pain and also can block the inflammation that can make the sciatic pain worse. Take these medications according to instructions from your doctor or from the medication container.
Step 4
Attend physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy, according to the MayoClinic.com, can help reduce sciatic pain, particularly in cases when the pain is due to a herniated disc in the spine. The goal of therapy is to strengthen the muscles in your back and to improve your flexibility, balance and posture, which can keep the disc from pressing on the sciatic nerve. Start physical therapy under the care of a trained physical therapist once the acute sciatic pain is gone.
Step 5
Receive steroid injections. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected in, or near, the sciatic nerve to quell the inflammation. This invasive treatment can help provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, but may not be a long-term solution, MayoClinic.com reports.
Step 6
Undergo surgery. Surgical treatment for sciatic pain may be necessary if you have three or more months of consistent leg pain, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons notes. The goal of surgery is to eliminate any structures that are pressing on the sciatic nerve. Typically, the surgery involves the removal of part of the herniated disc, which is known as a laminotomy with discectomy. Although any type of surgery carries with it certain risks, this procedure is effective at eliminating sciatic pain for 90 percent of patients who experience pain primarily in one leg.
Things You'll Need
- Cold and eat Packs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Extra pillows or rolled up towels
