Sciatica Treatments

Limited Physical Activity

Prolonged bedrest is usually not advised. However, your doctor may recommend resting in bed for 1-2 days. Too much bed rest can weaken muscles and slow healing. Doctors generally recommend staying active within the limits of your pain and avoiding activities that worsen back pain.

Medication

Medications used to treat sciatica include:

• Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen , aspirin , or ibuprofen
• Muscle relaxers for muscle spasm
• Cortisone pills or injections where the sciatic nerve comes out of the spine
• Antidepressants for chronic pain

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may be done at home or at work. It may include the following:

• Hot or cold packs
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Massage
• Ultrasound treatments
• Electrical stimulation

Alternative Therapies

These therapies have not been proven by scientific studies to have an effect on sciatica. However, some people may find some pain relief from the following:

• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture

Surgery

Surgery may be done to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This is performed in emergency situations or if conservative treatments fail. Common surgical procedures are microdiskectomy and lumbar laminectomy .

Talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you. For example, a study found that after one year, there was little difference between patients that had microdisketomy and those that had conservative treatment (such as rest, physical therapy, and medications). But, people that had surgery did report faster recovery time. *¹