Sciatica Home Treatment.

Sciatica Home treatment can offer very effective relief - but should only be undertaken following a full diagnosis and advice from your Physiotherapist.

I often get asked by my clients - "Can you recommend a home treatment for Sciatica?" Before we look at some approaches to sciatica home treatment, it is useful to understand the source and typical presentation of your sciatica.

Put simply - sciatica is a term used to describe nerve pain in your leg arising from your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve comes from the base of your back and travels down your leg as far as your toes. When impinged, you may experience a range of sciatica symptoms ranging from back and upper leg pain to a raging pain down the back of your leg. Pins and needles as well as numbness can also be associated with your sciatic nerve.

The severity and extent of your sciatic pain will dictate the sciatica home treatment required. It is very important that you have a clear diagnosis of the cause of your sciatic pain, as the cause of the nerve compression needs to be treated. It is possible to increase your pain if you understake the wrong treatment following an incorrect diagnosis.

Treatment for sciatica will involve manual techniques to unload the compressed or trapped nerve, and may also require pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications.

So, once you have received intial diagnosis and correct advice, here are some effective home treatments for sciatica:

Apply heat frequently to your lower back. I advise that you lie on your back with your knees bent up (put two pillows underneath your knees if it helps) and apply a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes every 2 hours.

Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your knees. Preferably with the painful side up.

Lie on your back with 2 pillows under your knees so that they are not straight. This reduces the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Take regular anti-inflammatory medication if the pain is severe.

Avoid sitting for prolonged periods.

Move all parts of your body that do not hurt. This will help in your recovery - and remind you that the rest of your body is ok!

Balance movement and rest. I often hear clients saying that they have stayed in bed for days with sciatica. Do not do this. Rest for 20 minutes in every hour where possible, and move around in an easy, painfree way after that.

Avoid any lifting - or at the very least use a correct lifting technique.

Listen to your pain, and do as it is asking from the outset (this may involve movement, rest, medication - or stopping a particular activity that is aggravating your sciatica). This will help you on the road to recovery. Your body is clever and will tell you what you need to do!

Listen to the specific advice given to you by your physiotherapist, as each sciatica case is unique and will require specific treatments at home as well as at the physiotherapy clinic.

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The information on this web site does not replace specific medical advice. It should only be used to complement advice from your doctor. Always seek in-person advice from a doctor or other qualified health provider for your particular condition.