Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief

Sciatica is defined as the painful irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. But anyone who has ever suffered from sciatica will tell you what it actually is; it is a white-hot metal rod, with spikes on it, corkscrewing itself in your spine so it can bore its way down through your buttock and leg. It is, in short: Agony.

Sufferers seeking sciatic nerve pain relief may feel as though it would be easier to find the Holy Grail.

Doctors usually prescribe bed rest. But while that may help alleviate some pain, other sciatica victims find it hard to find a comfortable position - and the weeks of boredom bed rest induces doesn’t do much to take their mind off their pain.

So if you’re suffering, here are some other options for sciatic nerve pain relief. First things first: painkillers. There are some great over-the-counter medications, but always read the labels carefully. You could also try speaking to your doctor about what he or she can prescribe you if the pharmacy drugs just aren’t cutting it. You may benefit from muscle relaxants or drugs to reduce inflammation. Surgical procedures can sometimes be employed, but these are rare and are only used as a final resort – so don’t beg for surgery; no matter how much it seems like it might be a quick fix.

Alternatively, you could look into physical therapy. Lots of sciatica sufferers find lower back stretching exercises and spinal conditioning can really ease the pain and speed up the recovery process.

Finally, if you’re on the dreaded best rest prescription: Invest in lots of trashy magazines; some good books; and have a television installed at the foot of your bed. Beg your family to spend time with you – maybe play cards or a board game – and hopefully all the distractions will take your mind off the pain.