What is the first treatment tried for sciatica?

Sciatica is pain or altered sensation travelling along the sciatic nerve pathway, often from irritation of a nerve root in the lower back. The first plan aims to keep you moving within tolerable limits, reduce aggravating loads and support sleep and daily function. A clinician checks strength, sensation, reflexes, walking and back movement before recommending medication or rehabilitation.

Short-term symptom relief may include an anti-inflammatory medicine when it is safe for you. A physiotherapist can then guide exercise, posture changes and a paced return to normal activity. Treatment is adjusted if symptoms persist or neurological findings change.

Avoid prolonged bed rest and change position regularly, while reducing lifting, twisting or sitting that clearly aggravates the leg pain. Take only medicines recommended for your health history and follow the label or prescription. Begin the movement plan provided by your clinician rather than forcing stretches. Explore [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/), [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) and [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/). If symptoms do not settle, an injection or procedure may be discussed.

Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, or rapidly worsening weakness in a leg. Seek urgent assessment for severe pain after significant injury, fever with back pain, or progressive difficulty walking. Arrange review when pain remains disabling or medication causes concerning effects.

Ask which activities to modify, whether an anti-inflammatory medicine is safe with your conditions, which exercises to start, and what neurological changes require urgent help.