How Can I Manage Sciatica Pain?

Do you put ice packs on the painful area for about 20 minutes several times during the day?

Do you put warm compresses on the painful area or alternately apply cold and warm compresses?

Do you exercise by doing stretching exercises, aerobic exercises (water aerobics, swimming, walking) and exercises to strengthen the muscles of your back, abdomen and legs?

Do you use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)?

Are you taking prescription medications to relieve sciatica symptoms or has your doctor prescribed spinal injections?

Do you treat sciatica pain with acupuncture?

Do you practice yoga or go for massages?

Do you visit a chiropractor?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage sciatica pain. You can try putting an ice pack on the painful area several times during the day. After a few days, you can continue to apply warm compresses, and sometimes, alternating hot and cold packs can alleviate the pain. Lower body stretching exercises can help you feel better. Try to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and never twitch or twist during the stretch. Stretching exercises will improve muscle flexibility, but the exercise program also includes aerobic exercises such as swimming or walking. You can also benefit from OTC painkillers.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage sciatica pain. It will probably be difficult for you to be active when you have sciatica, but resting in bed is acceptable only at the beginning, but not as the main way of treatment. Physical therapy includes exercises that will reduce the pressure on the nerves and alleviate sciatica pain. Your doctor may prescribe medication and spinal injections into your lower back that can help reduce pain and swelling around irritated nerves. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga or chiropractic are often used to treat sciatic pain, while massage can relax tense muscles.