If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you know is suffering from sciatica.
Don’t let this painful condition get you down – you’re not alone, and this article will help you answer your most pressing question: Does Sciatica go away on its own?
First off, be reassured of this. Sciatica is commonly a temporary condition and it can go away given the right factors.
However, this doesn’t mean that it’s an easy journey. And often, sciatica won’t go away without proper treatment, exercise, and patience.
Everyone’s experience with sciatic pain is unique. Factors such as the underlying cause of your sciatica, its severity, your overall health, and treatment measures like physical therapy can significantly affect the duration of the condition.
Like any pain, it is a very personal experience – however, there are some similarities.
We have written numerous articles on the topic that go in-depth on each question. See this article to compare what sciatica commonly feels like with your symptoms.
This article will help you to better understand sciatica, and what you can do to minimize its negative impact on you and your life.
But in this article we will address a common question that brought you here: Does sciatica go away?
Does Sciatica Go Away On Its Own?
Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. That condition varies as there are a number of underlying causes that can bring about this pain known as sciatica.
Sciatica is a type of lower back pain radiating along the path of your sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.
Typically, sciatica pain is commonly caused by is compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Anything that can cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve will bring about the sciatic pain. But around 90% of sciatica cases are caused by a herniated disc.
Other causes of sciatica include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis. All of which can irritate the sciatic nerve. And sciatica is more common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Though sciatica can strike us at any age.
Sciatica can cause severe pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the lower back down the leg. The sciatic nerve pain varies from person to person, but is often experienced as having a debilitating quality.
The good news is this: Many cases of sciatica resolve on their own within a few weeks to a few months. Though some cases can become chronic.
And in some rare cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the underlying cause of sciatica. More good news – Only 5-10% of people with sciatica require surgery.
Sciatica is not usually a medical emergency, but severe or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
As experienced Matthews chiropractors, we suggest you schedule an appointment for us to evaluation your situation.
Does Sciatica Go Away With Treatment?
Yes, receiving sciatica treatment can indeed help. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, we treat many patients who experience sciatica.
Pain relief can come when the body is given the opportunity to heal itself. The body is placed back into proper alignment as subluxations are adusted, and this allows for natural healing to occur.
Sometimes, like when you have experienced chronic (long-term) sciatica, the healing will take more time. Sciatica pain relief requires patience, and strict adherence of the treatment plan schedule.
Like any chronic pain, the underlying condition that caused it has often been developing for some time. So you will need a consistent routine to get yourself back to health.
Chiropractic care can play an important role in this plan. Lower back pain can be helped by chiropractic care, including sciatica nerve pain that runs down the hamstring area.
As nerve compression is relieved, the inflammation that causes the pain is reduced.
Proper treatment can help relieve sciatica symptoms in 72% of cases.
So a chiropractor can indeed provide sciatica pain management that will relieve the pressure and reduce inflammation.
Over time, even chronic sciatica symptoms should begin to lessen.
To Help Sciatica Go Away – Balanced Rest and Activity
Striking a balance between rest and activity can play a pivotal role in managing your symptoms.
Let’s look at how this balance can be achieved.
Rest To Help Your Sciatica To Go Away
First off, rest is important when dealing with any health condition, including sciatica. Yet, too much rest can also have downsides.
Resting excessively can result in muscle stiffness and muscle deterioration, which may end up exacerbating your sciatica symptoms. The trick here is to understand that rest means moderation, not hibernation.
The body does most of its healing during sleep, which applies to healing the underlying condition causing your sciatica pain. (This assumes subluxations are being adjusted and pressure is relieved from the nerve.)
Strive for a healthy sleep schedule and ensure you have a supportive mattress and pillows to lessen any discomfort during the night.
Take short breaks throughout the day. These periods of rest can assist you in dealing with the physical and psychological stress of enduring sciatica.
Remember, taking a rest doesn’t mean lying in bed all day; it’s about giving your body intermittent periods of comfort.
Help Sciatica Go Away By Incorporating Light Activity
While rest is crucial, incorporating light physical activity also plays a significant role in managing sciatica. As mentioned, too much rest can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, which can exacerbate sciatica.
Being active, in the right amounts, has benefits as well.
Light activities like a short stroll in the park, practicing gentle stretches, or even an easy-going stretching routine can help keep your muscles firm and flexible. This in turn offers support to your spine can reduce sciatica discomfort.
Bear in mind that every person’s fitness level and sciatica condition is different. You might need to experiment to find the activities that suit you best.
Here are some exercises to relieve your sciatica pain.
Never force your body into a position that triggers pain. Listen to your body while exercising—it’s your best guide.
As you feel your sciatica improving, you should maintain your health and well-being to minimize the risk for your leg pain, hip pain, and other acute sciatica pain returning, as the recurrence rate of sciatica is estimated to be around 40% within 10 years.
You need to maintain your professional relationship with your chiropractor who can help to keep you on track with your chronic pain maintenance program.
Final Thoughts on the Question Does Sciatica Go Away
In most cases, the answer is yes, sciatica does go away. However, that doesn’t mean it’s always gone for good.
It’s important to remember that every individual’s experience with sciatica is unique, and the duration of the condition can vary greatly.
Your mental health is another important component, as living with the pain can cause so much emotional suffering. “When will this end?” is a common question asked by those who suffer from sciatica.
By seeking medical advice and following a comprehensive treatment plan, most people can find relief from sciatica and improve their quality of life. As this report states: “Taming the pain of sciatica”
The best treatment option to consider is treatment from your local chiropractor.
Why suffer one more day with your chronic pain?
Give Matthews Family Chiropractic a call today to schedule an appointment.
FAQs About Does Sciatica Go Away
What is the fastest way to heal sciatica?
There is no one-size-fits-all all for sciatica. You can try using ice packs, gentle stretching, OTC medicine for inflammation, and speaking with your medical provider. Seeing a chiropractor is also a very helpful thing to do.
Does walking help sciatica?
Walking helps many people who suffer from sciatica. Start out slowly, listening to your body as you go. A little discomfort is normal, but if you experience more pain, hold off on the walking and speak to your doctor.
What should I avoid if I have sciatica?
You should avoid heavy lifting, sitting for longer than 30 minutes at a time, too much bed rest, overly strenuous exercise, and hoping the pain will simply go away.
