If you’ve been diagnosed with sciatica, the first question that might pop into your head is: How long can sciatica last?
Plus, you might also wonder how to manage the pain.
To get the answers to your questions, keep reading!
How Long Can Sciatica Last?
Sciatica can be either acute or chronic. For most people, sciatica pain usually lasts between 2 – 6 weeks with acute pain lasting 1-2 weeks.
However, acute sciatica may eventually turn into chronic sciatica. This means the pain exists pretty regularly.
Chronic sciatica is a life-long condition. It doesn’t currently respond well to treatment, but the pain from chronic sciatica is often less severe than the acute form.
Tips to Manage Sciatica Pain
For many people, sciatica responds well to self-care and rest.
Applying heat or cold packs for sciatica to your lower back may provide temporary relief.
If your pain doesn’t improve with self-care measures, your doctor might suggest some of the following treatments:
- Pain medications. The types of medications that might be prescribed for sciatica pain include anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.
- Injection for sciatica nerve pain. In some cases, your doctor might recommend an injection of a corticosteroid medication into the affected area.
You may also consider getting treatments for sciatica with a chiropractor (how many treatments/sessions to get depends on the severity of your condition).
You may buy some of the best orthopedic seat cushions for sciatica to help you feel more comfortable.
Make sure to consult a doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms of sciatica.
Don’t delay and don’t wait for the pain to get worst.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.
