4 Ways to Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatica affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and is related to inflammation or an injury of the sciatic nerve in the glute or buttock area. This nerve is the longest and thickest in the human body, with its roots traveling from the lumbar spine to the sacrum. 

Many people can't identify any specific reason for sciatic nerve pain, but it can be frustrating for those with it. They might feel mild to excruciating pain, tingling, muscle weakness, or leg numbness that lasts for weeks at a time. If you're fed up with sciatic nerve pain, you should seek help from the specially trained pain management experts at Twin Cities Pain Clinic. Chronic pain doctors can help you achieve the relief you deserve. Keep reading to find ways you can start experiencing relief.  

Chiropractic Help

A visit to a chiropractor might be one of the best ways to experience relief from sciatic nerve pain. While you might rely on medication for symptom management, chiropractic care focuses on the underlying cause of that pain. The best treatment approach can depend on your symptoms, the cause, and how long you've been experiencing sciatica. Your chiropractor might recommend light exercises and various therapies for long-term comfort. 

Hot and Cold Compresses

You might experience some relief from sciatic nerve pain with hot and cold compresses. Use cloth or towel-covered ice packs for the first week of pain and leave them in place for 15 to 20 minutes before removing them for the same amount of time. Repeat this cycle for approximately 100 minutes. 

Alternatively, freeze water in a paper cup and remove the top half of the cup before massaging your lower back in a circular motion with the ice. Refrain from rubbing the bony part of your spine and massage for no more than 10 minutes. 

After a week of healing and with the approval of a medical professional, try heat treatments. Heat can relax your muscles and potentially relieve pain. Use a hot water bottle wrapped in cloth or soak your body in a warm bath. Both hot and cold compresses might provide the relief you need when your pain levels are at their highest. 

Use Topical Pain Medications

Topical agents are popular for chronic pain management, and they might come highly recommended by a healthcare professional for your sciatic nerve pain. Many topical patches, creams, and gels are designed to numb targeted areas and provide pain relief with a low risk of side effects. While some are available with a prescription, you can also purchase many options over the counter with ingredients like capsaicin, menthol, and camphor. 

Do Exercises

After seeing a medical professional like a chiropractor for help, you might have been provided with a list of exercises to do. Depending on the location and severity of your pain, these might have the desired effect. Among the more popular exercise types for sciatic nerve pain relief include the contralateral quadruped stretch, cobra, and superman. Ask your healthcare provider for help and advice on the best stretches and exercises, and you might experience the relief you've been looking for. 

Many people experience sciatic nerve pain for a number of different reasons, and it's not always easy to treat. However, by trying exercises, topical pain medication, hot and cold compresses, and chiropractic remedies, you might enjoy relief from pain and discomfort sooner than you expected.