Conditions Back ConditionsDrugs & Supplements Back Drugs & SupplementsWell-Being Back Well-BeingMore Back More Privacy & More Subscribe Log In Search Subscribe GuideOverview SymptomsTests & DiagnosisTreatmentLiving With View Full Guide How to Ease Sciatic Nerve PainMedically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on March 04, 2025Written by 1/15Why It HurtsSciatic nerves go from your lower back into your legs. When something presses on them, like a slipped disk or a bone spur, you get . You might have a burning sensation, numbness, weakness, or pain. Some people say it feels like pins and needles, while others say it's more like getting an electrical shock or being stabbed with a knife. However it feels to you, there are many ways to get relief.2/15Give It Time"Wait and see" might not be what you want to hear when you're in pain, but it works. The passage of time is probably the best proven treatment. About 80%-90% of people with sciatic nerve pain get better within a few weeks.3/15Stand UpWhile a little extra pampering may be in order, don't stay off your feet for long. Too much bed rest can weaken your muscles. If you don't feel up to your usual workout, it's smart to listen to your body's signals. But try not to sit a lot or the pain might get worse.4/15Keep MovingIf your pain isn't too severe, it's a good idea to stretch, go for short walks, and do any other that you feel up to. It's especially important to try to stretch your lower back, since that's where something may be pinching your sciatic nerve.5/15Heat Things Up or Cool Them DownHot and cold may be opposites, but both can help keep you comfortable. Cold treatment is usually best for an injury that just happened. After about 72 hours, doctors usually suggest switching to heat. Use an ice pack that's wrapped in a towel or try a heating pad for about 15-20 minutes at a time. Be careful not to burn your skin. 6/15Try Over-the-Counter MedsNSAIDs like and naproxen may help ease your pain as well as bring down inflammation. Take the dose on the drug's label unless your doctor gives you special instructions.7/15Ask About a PrescriptionIf home remedies aren't helping, talk to your doctor. There are many prescription meds, like and higher-strength NSAIDs, that might make you feel better. Anti-seizure drugs, like , also seem to help some people.8/15Work With a Physical Therapist can help you correct poor posture or strengthen the muscles that support your lower back. The therapist will create an exercise program, including stretching techniques, that you can do at home. 9/15Get an EpiduralStill not feeling better? Your doctor may suggest you get an injection -- a shot of steroid medication into your spine -- especially if you've been in pain for more than 6 months. Studies show mixed results, though, about how well it works. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons.10/15Give Acupuncture a TryThis ancient Chinese medicine practice is starting to gain respect from mainstream Western doctors, and for good reason. Some research shows that it may work even better than traditional treatment for back pain. There's little risk as long as you find a licensed practitioner.11/15Take a Yoga ClassIt may not be a cure-all, but it might help you feel better. Try a type called , which emphasizes good posture. Research shows that it cuts pain and lets you move around more easily.12/15Get a MassageA professional rubdown isn't just about relaxation. Research shows that massage therapy eases pain and improves how well you can move your lower back. It also helps get blood flowing, which encourages your body to heal itself. Find a therapist who specializes in back pain and can also work some assisted stretching into your session.13/15Take Charge of StressNo, the pain isn't "all in your head," but your emotions can play a role. Stress causes your muscles to tense up and also makes the pain seem worse. Biofeedback, which shows you how your thinking and behavior affects your breathing and heart rate, might offer some relief. You could also try cognitive behavioral therapy. You'll work with a mental health expert who will help you change your behaviors and thoughts.14/15When to Call Your DoctorUsually sciatica is painful but not dangerous. But there are times you'll want to call your doctor right away. Get in touch with them if you have a fever, , trouble controlling your bowels or bladder, or pain that's so bad it wakes you up at night.15/15Signs You Might Need SurgeryMost people with sciatica don't need surgery. But your doctor may suggest it if you have trouble walking, lose control of your bladder or bowels, or your pain gets worse and other treatments don't help. The best procedure depends on what's causing your symptoms. The most common one removes the part of your herniated disk that's pressing on the sciatic nerve. Learn more about sciatica and the .SourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintIMAGES PROVIDED BY:Thinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosWebMDThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock PhotosThinkstock Photos SOURCES:American Council on Exercise: "Understanding Sciatica."American Family Physician: "Treatments for Sciatica."Annals of Internal Medicine: "Epidural Corticosteroid Injections in the Management of Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis."Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals: "Sciatica."BMJ: "Drugs for Relief of Pain in Patients with Sciatica: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis."Cochrane.org: "Advice to Rest in Bed Versus Advice to Stay Active for Acute Low-Back Pain and Sciatica."Cleveland Clinic: "Sciatica and Leg Pain," "Sciatica: Management and Treatment."Hospital for Special Surgery: "Sciatica."International Journal of Yoga: " Effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga in Treating Spinal (Back and Neck) Pain: A Systematic Review."North American Spine Society: "Back Pain and Emotional Distress."Mayo Clinic: "Sciatica."American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Sciatica."Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: "Massage for Sciatica: Pain Relief and Prevention."University of Florida Health: "Sciatica."University of Utah Health: "Sciatica."SharePrintFEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , Treating sciatica usually involves trying to decrease pain and increase mobility. Many treatments are things you can do yourself. There are several treatment options if you have sciatica that won’t go away or is more severe., However it feels to you, there are many ways to get relief. "Wait and see" might not be what you want to hear when you're in pain, but it works. The passage of time is probably the best proven.