I have a herniated disc and terrible sciatic pain. my dr has started me on prednisone for 15 days. i am in day 4 and have no relief. how long does prednisone take to work? is this a normal treatment for a herniated disc?

Glucocorticoid steroids are powerful anti inflammatory medications, and prednisone is an oral form of this. It often starts working within 1-2 days, but can take longer depending on the individual. Some doctors like to give a steroid injection near the affected nerve root, however, oral prednisone can also be helpful. Since it's non-invasive, it is often worth a trial test. Good luck to you.

Steroids tend to start relieving symptoms about 48 hrs after starting. There is some evidence that injectable dexamethasone helps to shrink ruptured discs, but very little proof that oral prednisone at usual low doses would work effectively. European studies suggest desiccation and shrinkage spontaneously of herniated discs over 9-10 months in some. An epidural injection might help.