Non-surgical treatment methods should always be used first to treat the tingling pain and numbness from sciatic nerve compression. A majority of sciatic pain suffers can improve without the need for surgery. The likelihood that non-surgical methods will be successful depends on how early the patient seeks treatment and to the extent the underlying physical abnormality has progressed (from the norm). Bulged (or herniated) discs, h typically respond well to a combination of the following conservative treatment methods:
- Rest
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercise
- Stretching and weight training (including specifc core and low back exercises)
- Improved posture
- Reduction in painful or potentially back damaging activities
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve
- Chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy and massage
- Heat and ice modalities