Symptoms

• Sciatica presents a variety of symptoms, most of which are easy to recognize. If you have pregnancy-induced sciatica, you may experience a sharp or aching pain that can shoot from the lower back or buttock area, and can travel down the back of the leg into the calf or heel. This pain may be severe or mild, and may be accompanied by burning, numbness or tingling in any of the aforementioned areas. If you believe you may have sciatica, try one or more of the following treatment suggestions in order to get relief as quickly as possible.
  
  

Self-help

• There are numerous things that you can do to help relieve yourself of the symptoms of sciatica. Most often, sciatica is experienced on one side of the body. If you find that one side is affected, try lying down on the non-affected side. Also, if you experience symptoms while standing, stay off of your feet for extended periods of time. Heavy lifting should also be avoided because it can cause undue pressure on the sciatic nerve. Stretching and exercise may help to loosen the muscles surrounding the lower back and sciatic nerve, which may help take the pressure off of the sciatic nerve. Applying heat in the form of a water bottle or heating pad can calm muscles, and applying cooling packs to the affected area can reduce inflammation. Providing your healthcare provider approves of usage, Tylenol can also help reduce inflammation and pain.
  
  

Professional Help

• If you do not find relief of your sciatic nerve pain from the aforementioned suggestions, there are additional options that require intervention from a professional. Massage has been known to be effective in treating sciatica. Massage is a hands-on approach to loosening up the muscles that may be trapping the sciatic nerve in the back. Physical therapy may also be another option that aids in treatment of the sciatica. A physical therapist can show you exercises or stretches that will keep your muscles fluid and the sciatic nerve from being trapped. Chiropractic care can also be helpful, especially if the sciatic nerve is trapped because of a subluxation in the spine. A chiropractic adjustment is a relatively non-invasive treatment that may involve heat, electrode therapy and realignment of the spine.