One recommended sciatica treatment is through simple self-care methods.  But first, what is sciatica? Sciatica is a compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can cause pain in the lower back that often radiates to the posterior part of the leg, calf, ankle, and toes.  This can be very painful and you need treatment for sciatica to relieve or at least reduce the pain.

Here are sciatica pain treatment methods that you can perform at home:

Hot and Cold Packs as Treatment to Sciatica Pain

Treating sciatica with hot and cold compress can reduce the swelling and facilitate the healing of the affected area.  The hot pack will increase circulation to the area to enhance healing, while the cold compress will reduce swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. They also reduce pain.

You can apply the hot and cold pack alternately for 10 minutes with 3 to 5 minutes interval.   Apply the pack over the area by moving it around the affected limb.   Make sure your pack is not too hot as to scald the skin.  The cold pack is also good for sciatica treatments because it reduces swelling.  Do not apply the hot and cold compress directly to the skin. Wrap it with a soft cloth before using and constantly moving the pack around the area. Do not let it stay in one area only as it may burn or cause hematoma. You can do this twice or three times a day.

Stretching for the treatment of sciatica

You can also do simple stretching movements to help ease pressure on your sciatic nerves. You can simply do breathing exercises while you stretch by placing your hands on both sides and then raising your toe while inhaling and lowering them while exhaling. You can do this twenty times, twice a day.

Exercise as a sciatica nerve pain treatment

Mild exercises such as walking can help alleviate pain.  You can take bed rest, but do not overdo it. You need to stay mobile, too, to relieve pressure on your sciatic nerves. This is one of the simple but effective treatments for sciatica. Taking a leisurely walk around the park can serve as a good exercise. Moving those limbs would balance the pressure of your body and can reduce pain. Do not overdo it however, as too much of anything is usually detrimental to health.

The treatment for sciatica pain need not involve drugs. You should first try these self-care methods before you resort to a prescribed sciatica treatment. If this does not work for you, then it is time you to look for an alternative sciatic nerve treatment.

A treatment worth mentioning

One last treatment worth mentioning – in fact, this one really helped in curing my sciatica – is the “Stop Sciatica in 8 Minutes” program. Well, the name says it all. I know it may be a little hard to believe, but it really is a simple and effective way to get permanent sciatica treatment.