Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Dr. Mark Kovacs, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, adds that the best way to alleviate most sciatica pain is to do “any stretch that can externally rotate the hip to provide some...
Fortunately, sciatica can be treated at home in most cases. And many times, it will resolve on its own. Let’s take a closer look at the six steps you can take to treat and manage sciatica pain without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Ice. Cold or ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling during the first few days after sciatica pain starts. You can use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables for this (but always wrap them in a towel to prevent cold-related injuries to your skin).
The best way to treat sciatica pain is to unearth and address the root cause. This takes longer than eight minutes, of course, but it’s more likely to give you long-lasting results than the quick fixes out there.
Over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen can help. When they don't, short-term use of stronger, prescription pain medicines may be needed. The good news is that for most (roughly three out of four) people, symptoms improve over a few weeks. For those not improving after six weeks, surgery is an option.
Use WebMD's slideshow to learn ways to get relief from sciatica, such as applying heat or cold, physical therapy, over-the-counter medicine, or an epidural injection.
Even if you don't know what's causing your sciatica, you can take steps to relieve your pain at home. Call your doctor if the pain isn't manageable or under certain other circumstances. Cold and heat. Both ice packs and heat can be used to ease the pain of sciatica and help you function better.
After 2 to 3 days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. Use hot packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting. For continuing pain, try using both warm and cold packs, one at a time. Stretching. Stretching exercises for the low back might provide some relief. Try to hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Exercise can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve and ease the associated pain. Other treatments include medication and home remedies.
Start doing gentle back strengthening and stretching exercises as soon as possible. You can slowly return to your normal activity level over 2-3 weeks. But for the first 6 weeks, avoid...