People suffering with sciatica know just how painful the condition can be. The back pain caused from the inflamed sciatic nerve can be excruciating at times. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to ease sciatic pain and make it possible to continue enjoying many daily activities.
Before attempting to use any type of home remedy for sciatic pain, it is important to consult with a physician. Your doctor can determine if there are any properties associated with the home remedy that could interfere with any medication you are taking. Along with decreasing the efficacy of your medications, some of the products used in home remedies may actually trigger an adverse reaction when combined with prescription medication. Never take anything before speaking with your doctor about possible side effects or negative interactions.
One method of easing sciatic pain that works for many people is the application of cold packs to help calm flare-ups of nerve pain. To make a simple home ice pack, place crushed ice in a sealable plastic bag, then wrap in a hand towel. You can also use bags of frozen vegetables if necessary. Apply the cold for at least twenty minutes. Repeat throughout the day as needed.
If the sciatic pain persists for more than a couple of days, heat may help to relax tense muscles and ease nerve pain. Heating pads work very well if you can manage to remain in the same position for twenty minutes or so at a time. If this is not practical, try some of the newer heat releasing bandages available at local pharmacies. These bandages will help to maintain heat at the site of the discomfort for several hours, allowing you to continue with your day.
Water therapy may be helpful in alleviating sciatic pain. This can come in the form of a hot shower, time spent in a hot tub, or settling into a pool. However, if the amount of pain you experience makes it hard to stand or get in and out of a tub or pool, do not attempt this type of therapy without someone nearby to assist you.
Depending on the level of sciatic pain you are experiencing, your doctor may discourage the use of prescription medication and recommend that you use over the counter pain relievers. Products containing acetaminophen or some type of NSAID compound are likely to help with sciatic pain. If your doctor approves, you may alternate use of different over the counter medications to address both the inflammation and the general discomfort that are part of sciatic pain.
Should your pain continue for longer than a few days, do not hesitate to see your doctor. Your condition may call for more aggressive treatment than is possible with over the counter products and home remedies. With your doctor’s help, you can explore different ways to deal with sciatic pain and develop a regimen that will provide the greatest amount of relief.