Sciatica
Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.
Check if you have sciatica
If you have sciatica, your:
- bottom
- backs of your legs
- feet and toes
may feel:
Your symptoms may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. You may also have back pain, but this isn't usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, legs or feet. You probably don't have sciatica if you only have back pain.
How you can ease the pain yourself
Sciatica usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can sometimes last longer. To help relieve your pain and speed up your recovery:
Do:
- carry on with your normal activities as much as possible
- regular back stretches
- start gentle exercise as soon as you can - anything that gets you moving can help
- hold heat packs to the painful areas - you can buy these from pharmacies
- ask your pharmacist about painkillers (paracetamol is unlikely to help and it's not clear how much NSAIDs help with Sciatica)
- put a small, firm cushion between your knees when sleeping on your side, or several firm pillows underneath your knees when lying on your back
Don't:
- do not sit or lie down for long periods - even if moving hurts, it's not harmful and can help you get better faster
- do not use hot water bottles to ease the pain - you could scald yourself if your skin is numb
See a GP if the pain:
- hasn't improved after trying home treatments for a few weeks
- is getting worse
- is stopping you doing your normal activities
For more information on Sciatica, please visit the NHS 111 Wales website.
For further information please email: CTM.WISE@wales.nhs.uk or call us on 01685 351 451. Visit our website at: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/wise-ctm