How do you treat sciatica pain

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Hsu PS, et al. Lumbosacral radiculopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed June 16, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Levin K, et al. Acute lumbosacral radiculopathy: Prognosis and treatment. Merck Manual Professional Version. Wheeler SG, et al. Evaluation of low back pain in adults. Shekelle P, et al. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.

Acupuncture for pain. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer. You may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, leg or foot. You probably do not have sciatica if you only have back pain. Sciatica usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes last longer. These could be symptoms of a serious back problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.

You can also get it privately. For chronic sciatica with pain lasting over 8 weeks, treatment time may take longer and may depend on the underlying cause. Physical therapy incorporates a combination of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic conditioning and is a central component of almost any sciatica treatment plan. Therapeutic exercises may also be added to a physical therapy program.

Sciatica treatment usually starts with nonsurgical methods and includes some combination of physical therapy, medications, therapeutic injections, and alternative therapies. Watch Now. While some rest or activity modification may be necessary, it is important to maintain as much activity as possible and avoid prolonged periods of physical inactiveness or bedrest.

Certain exercises to treat sciatica may be specific to the underlying cause. Trained health professionals, such as physiatrists, physical therapists, chiropractors or qualified certified athletic trainers can help formulate an effective treatment plan to relieve sciatica pain through exercise and physical therapy. See Sciatica Causes and Exercises. Both prescription and over-the-counter OTC medications may be used to relieve sciatica pain. A few examples of medications used to treat sciatica pain include:.

These drugs are usually taken in order to obtain pain relief and allow the patient to participate in physical therapy. Drugs such as opioid analgesics are generally prescribed for short durations to avoid addiction. Manual manipulation, typically performed by a chiropractor, aims at improving the alignment of the spine. This technique may help address the underlying conditions that can cause sciatic nerve pain, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Manual manipulation can also create a better healing environment and should not be painful. Certain forms of massage therapy, such as deep tissue massage, may have benefits for pain relief.