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Normally, for some people sciatica will get better on its own. The healing process usually takes a few days or weeks and most cases of sciatic nerve pain heal within six to fourteen weeks. Nevertheless, the sporadic cases of sciatica might be a sign that it should be managed to avoid it getting worse over time. There are various ways to achieve relief from sciatica.

Pain Relief From Sciatica

Author: Bob Taylor

Normally, for some people sciatica will get better on its own. The healing process usually takes a few days or weeks and most cases of sciatic nerve pain heal within six to fourteen weeks.  Nevertheless, the sporadic cases of sciatica might be a sign that it should be managed to avoid it getting worse over time.  There are various ways to achieve relief from sciatica.

For most people with sciatica, there are readily available pain management techniques and exercises that will help eliminate the pain. Whereas, for others when the pain is at its most severe or does not go away on its own, a more well-prepared pain management program which includes physical therapy and exercise, and quite possibly an operation may be the best option to prevent future flare ups. For those who have the occasional flare ups and are seeking relief from sciatica this article contains a few tips on how to relieve the pain of sciatica.

During a period of sciatica pain, there are a few non-surgical treatments available to help assuage the sciatica pain relief.  For acute sciatic nerve pain, heat or ice packs can help provide relief for the leg pain particularly during the initial phase.  As a rule, the heat or ice pack is applied for 20 minutes every two hours.  For some people, the ice pack would be applied first while others prefer the heat as it gives them more relief from sciatica.  Both packs can be alternated to help ease the pain.

Over the counter medications for pain relief from sciatica are made available as well as medications prescribed by a medical practitioner.  Non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or oral steroids can be useful in reducing the inflammation which is the main factor in sciatica. If there is a severe case of sciatica, an epidural steroid injection can be administered to decrease the inflammation.  An epidural injection is unlike oral medications as it injects steroids straight to the area of the sciatic nerve that is causing the pain.  Even though the effects of an epidural steroid injection are temporary, most people find it very helpful as it provides relief from sciatica from as short as one week up to twelve months and helps to relief the pain of acute sciatica.  More importantly, an epidural injection steroid provides sufficient relief to allow sciatica patients to progress in the exercise program.

Another relief from sciatica pain that has proven to work for some patients is acupuncture.  Acupuncture is centred on the philosophy of accomplishing or maintaining the well being of a person through the open flow of energy through specific pathways in the body. Hair-thin needles are pinned through the skin near the area where the pain is felt. The needles are left in place for less than an hour.  Acupuncture is approved all over the world by health associations as one of the means for healing back pain.  Some forms of massage therapy are also part of pain relief from sciatica.  By massaging the back, it will help improve blood circulation, muscle relaxation and release endorphins which are the body's natural pain relievers.

If all of the above relief from sciatica treatments are unsuccessful, surgery should be considered.  Surgery of sciatica should be taken into consideration if there is gradual weakness or complexity in walking. It could mean that there is advanced nerve damage.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/pain-relief-from-sciatica-4893225.html

About the Author

Are you looking for resources to help stop this agonizing pain for good?  Learn more about   sciatica pain relief that can bring quick pain relief to sufferers.  Bob Taylor is a past sciatica sufferer and witness to a colleague who underwent surgery for sciatica caused by a herniated disc, and knows the gravity of this condition. If you want even more information, subscribe to the free 7-part Reduce Back Pain email course at no cost at www.sciatica-pains.com