What Is the Best Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Sciatica is one of the most common causes of lower back, buttocks, and leg pain. It affects up to 40% of Americans during their lifetime. The condition, which occurs when the sciatic nerve gets compressed by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or injury, can be tough to manage without the right support.

At Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic in Allen, Texas, our expert team specializes in sciatica treatment. Read on for our top tips for relieving sciatica symptoms.

Home remedies and lifestyle adjustments

Often, sciatica pain responds well to simple home remedies and lifestyle adjustments. These include:

Rest and gentle movement

Lower back, buttocks, and leg pain caused by sciatica can make it tempting to sit or lie down for extended periods, but that can actually make symptoms worse. We always recommend a “movement is medicine” approach. That’s because staying active through walking and light exercise increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and improves flexibility.

That said, you don’t want to overdo it. Listen to your body. Mild soreness is okay, but if you feel a sharp or shooting pain, take a break.

Hot and cold therapy

Applying an ice pack or heating pad to the affected area is another effective way to manage sciatic nerve pain. Ice helps reduce inflammation, while warmth helps relax the muscles in your lower back, buttocks, and legs, easing tension.

Posture awareness

Sciatica pain is often worsened by poor posture. If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, be sure to maintain good posture. Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle, keep your feet flat on the floor, and align your ears over your shoulders. If it’s an option, you may want to consider a standing desk.

Medical and interventional therapies

Sometimes, relieving sciatic nerve pain takes a more targeted approach. If lifestyle adjustments don’t provide lasting relief, you might benefit from the following options.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy uses guided exercises, targeted stretches, and manual therapies (like massage) to reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve. These activities also strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, making movement more comfortable.

Regenerative medicine

This approach uses tissue engineering and biotechnology to promote healing. A common regenerative medicine procedure for sciatica is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. 

PRP involves injecting a platelet-rich solution derived from your own blood into specific areas of your lower back. The solution increases blood flow to the area, reduces inflammation, and helps restore mobility.

Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication

We may recommend medication if you continue to experience pain after undergoing physical therapy and/or regenerative medicine. 

Depending on your symptoms, we may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, muscle relaxers for spasms, nerve pain medications such as gabapentin, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

When to see a doctor

While sciatica sometimes resolves on its own, medical attention is important if symptoms persist or worsen. Contact us immediately if you experience lower back, buttocks, or leg pain that lasts for more than a week, especially if it causes numbness, weakness, or a loss of bowel and bladder control.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the issue from worsening and help you return to the activities you love.

Schedule sciatica treatment

Sciatica pain is incredibly common, but you don’t have to accept it. The right therapeutic approach can provide lasting relief and improve your quality of life. Contact us today if you’re ready to explore the various treatment options. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.