What is the treatment of sciatica?

Sciatica: In many cases, sciatica will improve and go away with time. Initial treatment usually focuses on medicines and exercises to relieve pain. Additional treatment depends on what is causing the nerve irritation. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may suggest physical therapy, steroid injections, stronger medicines such as muscles relaxants or opioids, even surgery for severe cases.

Time plus: Time is the best healer but activity restriction, guided exercise as directed in physical therapy, medication especially a steroid pack, and even epidural steroid injections may help. Cessation of smoking, weight reduction and regular exercise will help prevent a recurrence which has a rate of 5% if due to a disc herniation.

Stretching: Many times acute sciatic pain will resolves after stretching the area abit. The muscles will loosen up and help resolve pain. If not, then consider further imaging studies to see which exact nerve in your spine is getting pinched for further treatment options.