Sometimes, back pain can be the sign of something serious. It may be the symptom of a slipped disc, a fracture or a torn muscle that all need immediate medical attention. However, some types of back pain are minor and can be treated at home.
Sciatica is one of those types of back pain that can go either way. Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that spreads from your lower back into one of your legs. Sciatic pain is often described as sharp or burning. Some cases of sciatica are very minor and can be treated with a little rest and home remedies. Others require professional assistance.
If your sciatic pain is minor, then you should try some of the following treatments at home.
Four tips for treating sciatic back pain
- Rest — Sciatic often develops as a result of prolonged sitting, so find a spot to rest where you can lie down comfortably. Resting can help reduce the strain of what was causing your back pain.
- Exercise — Resting is great, but it’s also important to stay active if you want to recover from sciatic pain. Simple exercises like walking can help reduce pressure off the sciatic nerve, which reduces pain in your lower back.
- Heating and icing — Icing your back when you first notice pain can help reduce inflammation that may be putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. If the pain persists for a couple of days, apply heat as well to help soothe the pain.
- Medicine — Some pain and anti-inflammatory medicine can help reduce the pain you feel in your lower back. Talk to your doctor about what kinds of medication are right for you.
Contact Border Therapy Services for sciatica treatment
These kinds of treatments are great for minor forms of sciatica back pain, but if your pain is severe, long-lasting or recurs frequently, you need professional health care assistance. At Border Therapy Services, our physical therapists are skilled in treating all kinds of conditions, including sciatic back pain. Please contact Border Therapy Services today if you want to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help reduce your sciatic back pain.