Sciatica refers to a condition in which an individual experiences mild to severe pain in the largest nerve in the body, known as the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the combination of several nerves from the lumbar vertebrae and travels through the buttocks and each leg. If the roots of the sciatic nerve become inflamed or compressed, it can lead to radiating pain, weakness, and discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, leg, or foot.

Impact of sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that usually affects one side of the body. It is characterized by a sharp, shooting pain that can be felt in different areas of the leg, accompanied by numbness and weakness in the back, calf, or foot. This pain may be more noticeable at night or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing in the same position. It can also worsen when a person laughs, sneezes, coughs, and bends backward or forward.

In some severe cases, the pain may be so intense that the person is unable to walk more than a few meters, while others may be completely immobilized. This condition can also make it difficult for the person to perform simple everyday tasks, such as lifting objects or bending down.

While sciatica pain is not usually permanent, it can last several weeks or, in rare cases, a few months.

Treatment methods to relieve sciatica pain
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when pressure is put on the nerves due to herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal fractures, or rare spinal tumors. Nerve damage caused by diseases can also lead to sciatica. People who work long hours, either sitting or standing, lift heavy objects, or drive for extended periods are at risk for sciatica. Orthopedic specialists are trained to treat sciatica and use imaging tests to check the alignment of ligaments, discs, muscles, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Once they confirm sciatica, they begin treatment to reduce inflammation and pain. The standard methods of treatment for sciatica include:

Physical therapy
Resting in the same position can worsen sciatica. Physical therapy can help in bringing both immediate and long-term sciatica pain relief. It can also help treat the pain’s cause and prevent flare-ups. Exercise can help reduce the pressure on the sciatica nerve and strengthen the muscles and joints. Physical therapists advise patients about the right posture, bending, and lifting techniques to improve mobility, restore movements, and relieve pain in the lower back, calf, and buttocks. Physical therapy can also improve confidence and motivate patients to commit to the complete treatment. A physical therapist evaluates a patient and may recommend a combination of the following techniques to find relief from sciatica pain:

• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Functional retraining
• Joint mobilization
• Joint manipulation
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Gait training

Surgery
Doctors recommend surgery for patients who do not find any improvement from other treatments like prescription treatments or physical therapy. Doctors also recommend surgery for people with sciatica on both sides, for those with severe leg weakness, or those suffering from incontinence. People suffering from tumors or fractures in the spine can also benefit from surgery. Common surgical procedures used for treating sciatica include:

• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Spinal fusion
• Microdiscectomy
• Foraminotomy

In most cases, one would have to stay in the hospital for about three days, and recovery takes about 4-6 weeks.

Lifestyle modification
Sciatica symptoms may be relieved by rest, but excessive rest can exacerbate the pain. Regular movement is essential, as it enhances muscle conditioning and promotes blood flow to the affected areas, preventing pressure and tension from building up on the nerves. Physical therapy and exercise should be done in moderation, as excessive activity can cause further damage to nerves, muscles, and tissues. Developing healthy sleeping habits can help alleviate inflammation in cells and tissues. Changes in one’s eating habits can also strengthen spinal tissues and cells and prevent inflammation.

Natural remedies that can help relieve sciatica pain
Along with these structured treatments, patients can also use many natural and home remedies to relieve sciatica pain and help them relax and heal faster. Here are a few natural remedies one can try:

Hot and cold compresses
Use hot and cold compresses alternatively for twenty minutes to help reduce inflammation. Use a protective covering; do not use the packs directly on the skin.

Massage
Massage is highly recommended for sciatica pain relief as it can improve blood and fluid circulation, release tension from the sciatic nerve, help the patient relax, and improve their sleeping patterns. Trigger point therapy, myofascial release therapy, and deep tissue massage are three effective techniques for sciatica pain relief.

Braces
Braces can support and stabilize the tissues in the lumbar region and relieve pain from the sciatica nerve roots. Consult the doctor to get the right brace type and to understand how often and for how long one should wear it. Buy braces made of stretchable and breathable material to make them comfortable for daily wear.