At Aligned Medical Group, our team of medical professionals personalize your treatment for fast, natural relief from sciatic nerve pain.
Table of Contents
What Causes Sciatic Nerve Pain?
According to sciatica specialists, sciatica is caused when any part of the nerve is irritated or pinched. If the symptom’s onset is sudden, it is likely due to a specific event like an injury, a herniated disc, or pregnancy-induced pelvic rotation and inflammation.
However, sometimes the symptoms seem to develop gradually over time. It may be related to degeneration, or caused by the development of a bone spur on your spine, degenerative disc disease, or spinal arthritis.
Those at a higher risk for getting sciatic nerve pain are those with sedentary jobs or lifestyles, and those who are overweight, with more stress on their spine, causing pressure on the nerves of the back. Jobs that require carrying heavy items or repeatedly twisting the back are also associated with a higher risk of sciatica.
Sciatic nerve pain is often triggered by underlying conditions that irritate or compress the nerve. Common causes include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis or arthritis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pregnancy or pelvic rotation
- Obesity and poor posture
What Are the Symptoms of Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity and location, but often presents itself as:
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the lower back, buttock, or leg
- Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensations anywhere in the lower back, the buttocks, or down your legs
- Muscle weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty standing, walking, or prolonged sitting
What Triggers a Sciatica Flare-Up?
Even if you experienced sciatica in the past and it was treated successfully, you could still occasionally experience a flare-up. These sciatica flare-ups can occur
- An injury to the hip or pelvic region,
- Tight hip or buttock muscles,
- Weakened core or lower back muscles.
- Stress-induced inflammation
You may not be aware that stress can also cause the sciatic nerve to flare up; when you are under stress, the body produces hormones that can cause inflammation, which may increase the pressure on your sciatic nerve.
What Are The Best Treatments For Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatica specialists note that therapy for sciatic nerve pain varies from patient to patient, depending on many factors.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic adjustments are a well-known, non-invasive sciatica treatment that can bring you swift relief. Spinal manipulations can alleviate muscle spasms and pressure on your sciatic nerve when you have a herniated disc or misaligned vertebrae. In addition to providing pain relief, chiropractic care and treatment will:
- Realign the spine and reduce nerve compression.
- Improve spinal mobility and decrease inflammation.
- Enhance nerve signal transmission for pain relief.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Massage therapy is also an effective sciatica treatment method. A licensed deep tissue massage therapist with knowledge of the right massage technique for your musculoskeletal system can direct the appropriate amount of pressure to ensure your treatments are successful. In addition to helping release muscle tension and promoting relaxation, massage therapy also:
- Increases blood flow, reducing nerve compression.
- Stimulates the release of natural painkillers (endorphins).
- Alleviates muscle spasms.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine, reducing pressure on the discs by
- Creating space for bulging or herniated discs to heal.
- Reducing nerve pinching and inflammation.
- Increasing nutrient flow for faster recovery.
This is done by healing your spinal discs. The rhythmic pumping creates suction on spinal discs. The discs are then better able to remove inflammation and carbon dioxide, while suctioning in oxygen and nutrients. This process is called imbibement.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are another method to help sciatica pain that is considered when less invasive methods have proven unsuccessful. Using this method, the medical practitioners inject targeted holistic and prescription medications to reduce muscle tightness that contributes to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Acupuncture & TENS Therapy
Acupuncture and TENS therapy are drug-free options that offer effective relief from sciatic nerve pain. These therapies work by stimulating nerve pathways, increasing endorphin production, and calming irritated nerves. In addition to reducing pain, they can:
- Enhance endorphin release for natural pain relief
- Improve communication between nerves and muscles
- Reduce inflammation and promote relaxation
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What Medications Are Available for Sciatica?
In cases where pain is severe, medications may provide temporary relief. Common medications used to treat sciatica include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Examples include ibuprofen or naproxen which reduce inflammation and pain.
- Muscle Relaxants: These can ease muscle spasms that might be irritating the sciatic nerve.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen may provide short-term relief.
- Prescription Medications: In some cases, stronger medications, such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants, may be prescribed to manage chronic pain symptoms.
While medications can provide temporary relief, they should be used alongside physical therapy or chiropractic care for the best results. Prolonged use of medication can lead to side effects, and they do not address the root cause of sciatic nerve pain.
How To Relieve Sciatica Nerve Pain At Home
There are some excellent sciatica treatments that most people can do in their own home to relieve sciatica pain.
Nerve Flossing Exercises
Occasionally, when a nerve becomes entrapped by scar tissue, an at-home technique called “nerve flossing” has become increasingly popular for its ability to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Nerve flossing is a gentle stretching technique designed to mobilize the sciatic nerve and reduce entrapment or irritation. These exercises can offer fast, drug-free relief during flare-ups:
- Seated sciatic nerve glide
- Standing hamstring nerve floss
- Lying sciatic nerve slider
- Slump sitting stretch
Sit tall in a chair, extend one leg straight with toes up, and gently flex and point the foot as you lower and raise your head. Repeat this nerve-gliding motion 10–12 times per side. The goal is to glide the sciatic nerve through its pathway to restore movement and reduce sensitivity.
Always move within a pain-free range and stop immediately if symptoms worsen. Getting a proper diagnosis is important because nerve flossing can worsen some types of sciatica.
Sciatica Stretches
A fast way to get some relief is gentle stretching. The following stretches can help reduce your pain even during a flare–up episode:
- Sitting knee to opposite shoulder stretch
- Single or double knees to chest stretch
- Child’s Pose
- Laying belly-down on an exercise ball
Lay on your back and gently pull a knee to your chest, keeping your leg bent at the knee, and hold this for 30-40 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times with each leg. The goal of sciatica relief is to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. It’s important not to perform any stretch or exercise that increases symptoms.
Cold Therapy
Apply ice or a cold compress for 10-15 minutes to your lower back when finished stretching and before bed, three times a day. Even though heat often feels good, avoid heat since it may increase inflammation. Ice helps control inflammation and spasm in muscles, so pressure reduces on your nerves.
Walking
This low-impact exercise decreases inflammation, encourages spinal discs to heal, and can help loosen any tight muscles causing strain in the hips and lower back. Walking and extra movement in general can support natural recovery, helping to treat sciatic nerve pain by building and increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and assisting with metabolism.
Posture Correction
- Practice good posture to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- During the day, change positions frequently and do not sit for extended time. Try taking breaks to stand and stretch.
- Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, to relieve muscle tension.
Some patients find fast sciatic pain relief with over the counter medications, however, extended use may slow your natural healing. If you are using all of these at–home remedies for two weeks and your symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek help from a medical professional.
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Comparing The Best Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Treatment Option
Here’s a simplified guide to help you choose the right treatment for your sciatica symptoms:
Chiropractic Adjustment: Great for spinal misalignment and mechanical pressure on the sciatic nerve. Relief in days to weeks.
Spinal Decompression Therapy: Ideal for herniated and damaged discs. Promotes disc healing over several weeks.
Therapeutic Massage Therapy: Eases muscle tension and stress. Immediate short-term relief.
Nerve Flossing / Exercises: Specific for scar tissue entrapment of the sciatic nerve. Exercise strengthens your core and prevents flare-ups. Benefits grow over time.
Trigger Point Injections: Relieves localized muscle tension. Noticeable effects within days.
Acupuncture / TENS: Effective for inflammation and nerve sensitivity. Results within a few sessions.
FAQs On Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment
What Is The Fastest Way To Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain?
The fastest way to relieve sciatic nerve pain often includes a combination of rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle stretching exercises. Chiropractic adjustments can also provide quick relief by realigning the spine and reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Can Sciatica Go Away On Its Own?
In some cases, sciatic nerve pain can resolve without intervention, especially if caused by temporary irritation. However, chronic or recurring sciatic pain often requires professional treatment to address the root cause and prevent recurrence.
What Activities Should I Avoid If I Have Sciatica?
If you have sciatica, it’s best to avoid high-impact activities like running, heavy lifting, or twisting motions that strain the lower back. Sitting for extended periods can also aggravate symptoms, so try to stand, stretch, or walk periodically to reduce tension on the sciatic nerve.
Book Your Free Sciatica Consultation Today
The Aligned Medical Group can help you combat your stubborn sciatica pain with a team of experienced healthcare professionals. Our chiropractors, Integrated Medical doctors, and massage therapists are ready to meet with you to find the root cause of your pain and develop a plan for your path to relief. Call (610) 644-3166 to schedule a free consultation with our medical professionals or contact us today!