The sciatic nerve is a long nerve in your body that runs from your spinal cord to the backs of your legs, according to the Mayo Clinic. If irritated, you can experience pain, tingling, numbness, and at its worst, loss of bladder and bowel function. According to Medline Plus, these symptoms are collectively called sciatica and can be a harbinger for a medical condition such as piriformis syndrome (a disorder involving muscles in your buttocks) or pelvic fracture. There are specific steps to treat sciatica.
Step 1
Go to your local pharmacy and purchase over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Read the package and use the medication as directed.
Step 2
Apply a cold pack to the affected area for 20 minutes several times a day. Do this for the first two to three days of your symptoms. Then switch to using a heat pack. This should decrease your symptoms.
Step 3
Stretch your back to help relieve pain. Lie on your back, bend your knees and place both your hands on the back of your knees. Bend your knees to your chest and hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat this several times throughout the day.
Step 4
Visit your family doctor and obtain prescription-strength medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsant drugs. Discuss with your doctor which treatment is best for you.
Step 5
Obtain physical therapy. Physical therapists can help relieve your sciatica by helping you perform exercises to strengthen your muscles and increase your range of motion.
Step 6
Get epidural steroid injections. Your doctor can inject corticosteroids into your affected region to reduce your inflammation and pain.
Step 7
Go to a surgeon and schedule a lumbar laminectomy and microdiscetomy if you have loss of your bladder or bowel function. In lumbar laminectomy and microdiscetomy, your surgeon will remove a protruding disk to relieve your sciatica symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin or acetaminophen
- Cold pack
- Hot pack
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory agent
- Muscle relaxant
- Prescription-strength medication
