Usual symptoms of sciatica include pain that radiates down the leg, numbness and muscle weakness along the nerve path with tingling in the foot or toes. Below are five self-care tips that can be applied for immediate sciatic nerve pain relief.

1. Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief - Tips for Instant Sciatic Nerve Pain
Relief
The sciatic nerve is the longest of the nerves in the entire body. It
is located in the spinal cord and runs through the buttocks area, hip
area and down the backs of the legs. If this nerve experiences
unusual pressure due to a back injury such as a herniated disc,
pain can occur in the lower back, the buttocks and down the thigh
and calf where the sciatic nerve is located. Usual symptoms of
sciatic include pain that radiates down the leg, numbness and
muscle weakness along the nerve path with tingling in the foot or
toes. Below are five self-care tips that can be applied for immediate
sciatic nerve pain relief.
Use an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
There are two different categories of analgesics. One category only
treats pain while the other treats both pain and inflammation. Non-
steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with both pain
and inflammation. Acetaminophen can also be effective in relieving
pain.
Use Ice Packs for Initial Treatment
Applying ice or cold packs to the area of discomfort can reduce the
pain and inflammation. This should be done for 20 minutes several
times a day.
Apply Heat
After using ice or cold therapy for the first two to three days after
the initial onset of symptoms, switching to heat applications can
offer continued healing of the sciatic nerve. The use of a heating
pad, heat lamp or a hot pack are effective treatments for pain
reduction at this stage of the injury. If the pain persists, alternate
heat packs with ice therapy.
Gentle Exercise
When symptoms first appear, doing low-impact exercises such as
water exercise or using a stationary bike can help provide sciatic
nerve pain relief while preventing additional injury. Stretching
exercises are also very good as these types of exercises can help to
release pressure on the sciatic nerve. Do avoid such activities as
twisting, jerking or bouncing. As the condition improves more
active exercise can be introduced to help strengthen the back.

2. Use a Firm Mattress and Pillow
Choosing a firm mattress can offer added support to the back and
can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Also placing a pillow
between the legs while sleeping in a curled up position can help
relieve sciatic pressure.
If you are looking for a fast and complete cure for sciatica then just
visit the sciatic nerve pain relief site today. Immediate relief can be
felt within as little as eight minutes.