Chiropractor/Massage
Chiropractors and massage therapy will focus on relieving the muscle tension in the sensitive area and also re-aligning the spine to reduce impingement and irritation. In some cases, this will provide short or even long-term relief, but in the cases of herniation, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, these treatments may only temporarily alleviate the symptoms.
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications are usually effective in relieving sciatica pain. These medications can reduce the inflammation contributing to the pain, which can offer short-term relief. In the cases of severe pain, muscle relaxants or narcotic medications can help offer quick but temporary relief.
For severe sciatic nerve pain, an epidural steroid injection in the area around the nerve can reduce inflammation and affect relief. Unlike oral pain medication, these injections are made directly into the inflamed area. The relief from these injections helps you resume your normal range of activities and allows you to move forward with long-term physical therapy.
Physical Therapy
Long-term relief from sciatica pain will most likely involve some form of physical therapy. Chiropractors, medications, and injections can provide relief from pain symptoms, but physical therapy will help promote the muscle balance and physical conditioning to maintain a pain-free life in the long term.
Surgery
Surgery is always a last resort for managing sciatic nerve pain and should only be explored after chiropractic treatments, pain medication, injections, and physical therapy have failed to provide relief. If your pain is persistent and preventing you from engaging in daily activities, your doctor may explore a surgical option.