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How long does Sciatica last?
Jul 29, 2022
The duration of Sciatica typically depends on the type and severity of the underlying problem. While it usually resolves within a few weeks, certain medical conditions can cause your symptoms to last up to two years.
When acute Sciatica may become chronic.
Common conditions that may cause Sciatica include a problem in your lower back that irritates or inflames a sciatic nerve root, such as
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Muscle spasm
- If your lower back problem is recent, you will experience acute Sciatica , which may flare intermittently or remain constant for up to 4 to 6 weeks, 1 after which, it typically subsides on its own.
If left untreated or if the underlying cause is severe, Sciatica may become chronic and persistent, lasting for two months or more. 3 An estimated 20% to 30% of people may continue to have sciatica for 1 to 2 years.
Treating Sciatica at home
Sciatica occurs differently for everyone. A number of nerve roots may be affected in Sciatica , each causing pain and/or numbness in a different part of your thigh, leg, and/or foot. The response to a specific treatment may also vary between different individuals with the same diagnosis for Sciatica . Finding the right treatment is usually a process of trial and error. Try a combination of these treatments at home for meaningful pain relief from sciatica. Pain-relieving medication: Trytopical pain-relieving creams or take over-the-counter oral medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). While oral medications build up in the bloodstream and have a whole-body effect, topical medications may act faster due to their localized effect. Heat therapy: If you have chronic Sciatica , heat therapy may help relieve your symptoms by relaxing tight muscle sandim proving blood flow. These effects may also help heal your lower back tissues.
Exercising at home to relieve Sciatica
A routine exercise program is beneficial in controlling acute Sciatica pain as well as in preventing future flare-ups. Exercises can be learned from a physical therapist and continued at home. Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to consult a licensed health professional to get a correct diagnosis for the cause of your Sciatica . Exercises for sciatica from a herniated disc vary widely compared to those aimed at relieving the symptoms caused by spinal stenosis, and each type of exercise may worsen or further irritate your underlying cause if done incorrectly.
Medical treatment for Sciatica :
If your Sciatica is recent (acute), your doctor will likely diagnose the cause of your symptoms based on medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The recommended treatment will typically include some combination of:
- Prescription medications for sciatic pain relief
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Manual manipulation
- Lumbar epidural steroid injections
Foot pain caused by a spinal problem:
Nerve root irritation or compression in the lumbar or sacral spine (lower back) may cause Sciatica Pain to radiate down your leg and into the foot. Specifically, compression of the S1 nerve root, also called classic Sciatica , can cause pain along the outer side of your foot. Nerve roots may be compressed or irritated due to a number of causes. Common examples include:
- Lumbar herniated disc: Leaking of the inner contents of an intervertebral disc
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease: Age-related changes causing narrowing and shrinkage of the disc
- Spondylolisthesis: Slipping of a vertebra over the one below it
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the bony openings for spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord
The inability to lift the front part of your foot or frequent tripping while walking may be due to a condition called foot drop. This condition is typically caused due to compression of the L5 nerve root. Rarely, compression of the L4 and/or S1 nerve roots may also cause foot drop.
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