Sciatica Treatment Options and Medicines
Explore effective sciatica treatment options, including medications, home remedies, physical therapy, and surgical procedures. Learn how to manage pain and improve mobility.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 5th Aug, 2025
Sciatica can be a painful and frustrating condition, but the good news is that there are effective treatment options available to help you manage the pain and recover. If you or a loved one is dealing with sciatica, this guide will explain what it is, its symptoms, causes, and the best ways to treat it—including medicines, home remedies, and when to seek medical help.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips, buttocks, and legs. It usually affects only one side of the body and can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain.
Common Symptoms of Sciatica
Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, or leg
Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
Weakness in the affected leg
Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or sneezing
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. The most common causes include:
1. Herniated or Slipped Disc – A disc in the spine presses on the nerve.
2. Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves.
3. Piriformis Syndrome – A muscle in the buttocks tightens and irritates the nerve.
4. Spondylolisthesis – A vertebra slips out of place, pinching the nerve.
5. Injury or Infection – Rarely, trauma or infections can cause sciatica.
Treatment Options for Sciatica
The goal of sciatica treatment is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. Treatment options include:
1. Medications
Doctors may prescribe different medicines based on the severity of pain:
Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relievers –
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) help reduce inflammation.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve pain but doesn’t reduce swelling.
Prescription Medications –
Muscle Relaxants (e.g., Cyclobenzaprine) – Help ease muscle spasms.
Oral Steroids (e.g., Prednisone) – Reduce nerve inflammation.
Nerve Pain Medications (e.g., Gabapentin, Pregabalin) – Help with nerve-related pain.
Opioids (for severe cases, short-term use only) – Strong painkillers used cautiously due to addiction risks.
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Epidural Steroid Injections –
If pain is severe, a doctor may inject steroids near the affected nerve to reduce inflammation.
2. Physical Therapy & Exercises
A physical therapist can teach you stretches and exercises to:
Strengthen back and core muscles
Improve posture
Reduce nerve pressure
Helpful Exercises:
Pelvic Tilts – Strengthens lower back muscles.
Knee-to-Chest Stretch – Relieves nerve compression.
Piriformis Stretch – Reduces muscle tightness.
Walking & Swimming – Gentle activities that improve circulation.
3. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes
Hot & Cold Therapy –
Ice packs (first 48 hours) reduce swelling.
Heat pads relax muscles after the initial swelling subsides.
Good Posture – Avoid slouching while sitting or standing.
Ergonomic Adjustments – Use a supportive chair and avoid prolonged sitting.
Weight Management – Extra weight increases pressure on the spine.
4. Alternative Therapies
Chiropractic Care – Adjustments may help relieve nerve compression.
Acupuncture – Some find relief from needle therapy.
Massage Therapy – Helps relax tight muscles.
5. Surgery (Last Resort)
If pain persists for months and other treatments fail, surgery may be considered:
Microdiscectomy – Removes part of a herniated disc pressing on the nerve.
Laminectomy – Widens the spinal canal to relieve pressure.
When to See a Doctor?
Most sciatica cases improve within weeks with self-care, but seek medical help if you experience:
Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
Numbness or weakness in the leg
Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency situation)
Conclusion
Sciatica can be painful, but with the right treatment, most people recover fully. A combination of medications, exercises, and lifestyle changes can help you get back to a pain-free life.
If your symptoms persist, consult a doctor for personalised advice. You can book an appointment with a specialist on Apollo 24|7 for expert guidance and treatment.
Consult Top Specialist
Consult Top Specialist
Dr. Suvadeep Sen
Critical Care Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, MD, FNB (CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE), EDIC
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Swati Hanmanthappa
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Electronic City, Bengaluru
Dr G Prathyusha
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS DNB (Family medicine), CCEBDM (Diabetology), PGDGM (Geriatrics), Primary care Rheumatologist.
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Kaushik Chakraborty
General Practitioner
23 Years • MBBS
Kolkata
Dr Kaushik Chakraborty, Kolkata
Dr. Deeptangshu Ganguly
General Practitioner
12 Years • MBBS , MD (Pharmacology)
Raniganj
The Polyclinic and Pharmacy, Raniganj