If you've ever experienced the pain of sciatica, you know all too well how badly you need relief. Depending on the severity, sciatica can be treated in a variety of ways and there are things you can do at home to ease the pain and discomfort. Read on for more information on how to treat sciatica.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body. When it becomes irritated or damaged, severe and potentially crippling back pain and/or numbness can be the result. Pain, tingling and numbness can often be felt in the lower back and hip area, as well as down the leg and even into the foot.

The first order of business is to consult with your doctor, especially if this is your first bout with sciatica and if it is severe and sudden. This will help to determine what is causing your sciatic nerve pain and help you and your doctor determine the best course of treatment. Potential causes of sciatica can include:

1. Herniated dischttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=causes
2. Degenerative conditions of the lower backhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=causes
3. Pregnancyhttp://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article4133.html
4. Spinal tumorshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=causes http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article4133.html

To relieve the pain and discomfort of sciatica:

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Sitting irritates the sciatic nerve. Be sure to get up from your chair frequently and move around. Walk for short distances and then lie down.http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview
• Gently stretch the leg and back to try and loosen up tight muscles, including the hamstrings.
• WebMD recommends taking over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild sciatic nerve pain.http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview
• Apply hot or cold compresses to the lower back area. Some people find relief with heat, others with cold—go with whatever feels best and offers you relief.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

If self-care treatment fails to relieve the pain of sciatica, or if symptoms worsen and include extreme numbness and/or weakness in the leg or foot, more intensive treatment may be needed. This may include taking prescription medications, undergoing a course of physical therapy or having epidural steroid injections. Surgery may also be a possible treatment.http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/sciatica-topic-overview http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sciatica/DS00516/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.