Sciatica Treatment

Published at 23 September 2024

Despite the severe pain caused by sciatica, many patients are reassured that it is a simple and treatable condition. In most cases, the patient recovers on his own within a few weeks with the use of medications to relieve pain and following some simple measures at home. (1)

Sciatica treatment

90-95% of sciatica cases recover with rest, physiotherapy, and the use of some medications to reduce pain and inflammation, without the need for surgery. In severe cases or that do not improve with time and treatment, surgery may be necessary. Below is detailed methods for treating sciatica: (1)(7)

1-Rest

Several days of rest are usually sufficient, and we recommend placing a small, firm pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side, or several firm pillows under your knees when lying on your back. (2)

Although rest is important, it is necessary to avoid staying in bed for long periods of time. (3)

2-Cold and warm compresses

Cold compresses can be used to help reduce pain and swelling in the first days of feeling pain, by placing an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the painful area for 20 minutes, and this can be repeated several times a day. (4)

After the first few days of using cold compresses, you can switch to using warm compresses, also for 20 minutes at a time, and if the pain persists, try switching between hot and cold compresses to see which one helps you better relieve the pain and discomfort. (4)

3-Exercises and physiotherapy

It aims to strengthen the spine, lower back muscles, abdomen, buttocks, and hips, which helps to relieve sciatica pain through stretching exercises, lower back stretching exercises, and short walks. Therapeutic exercises can be part of a physiotherapy program determined by the physiotherapist. (3)

In the Physiotherapy Department at Al-Ahli Hospital, we are proud to provide high-quality services for treating sciatica pain. Our team of physiotherapists works hard to provide comprehensive and customized care for each patient.

4-Medications

The following medications can help: (3)(5)

·Analgesics, such as: paracetamol (Panadol and its commercial alternatives), ibuprofen, and naproxen. The doctor may prescribe stronger analgesics.

·Muscle relaxants.

·Nerve pain medications, which the doctor may prescribe in some cases, such as Neurontin and Lyrica.

·Cortisone injections into the area surrounding the nerve root in the lower back.

Topical medications are also available in the form of ointments, gel, or patches that help relieve pain and inflammation, and relax muscles. (8)

5-Surgery

In very few cases, the doctor recommends the surgical option to remove everything pressing on the sciatic nerve, and these cases include the following: (4)(8)

If pain persists after six to eight weeks despite using other treatments.
If you suffer from moderate to severe pain that prevents you from working or doing your usual routine.
If symptoms get worse over time.
If symptoms affect both legs.
If sciatica causes severe numbness in the buttocks and pelvic floor.
If sciatica causes loss of bowel and bladder control. (6)

New and simple surgical techniques are now available that allow endoscopic discectomy, and the patient can walk immediately afterward. (9) Book your appointment now with the Neurosurgery Center at Al-Ahli Hospital.

Sciatica Pain Exercises

The following exercises can help relieve sciatica pain: (9)

1.Glute Bridge exercise

Lie on your back with your knees bent, and your feet flat on the floor, spaced apart.
Keep your arms straight at your sides, with palms facing down.
Press your arms into the floor for support.
Raise your hips toward the ceiling, tightening your abdominal muscles and buttocks.
Aim for a straight line from head to knees, with minimal arching in the lower back.
Hold for 5 to 30 seconds, then slowly lower your knee.
Repeat the exercise 8 to 10 times, at least twice a week.

2.Lying Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Lie on your back with your legs extended.
Slowly raise one knee toward your chest and hold it with your hands.
Gently pull your knee further toward your chest, until you feel a slight stretch in your lower spine and hip.
Hold for 5 to 30 seconds, then slowly lower your knee.
Repeat the exercise with the other knee.
Repeat 8 to 10 for each side, at least twice a week.