Different types of treatment available for sciatica are oral medications like anti-inflammatory NSAIDS to relieve pain and numbness, and muscle relaxants. Physiotherapy for strengthening exercises. Spinal cortisone injection are given in lower back to decrease the swelling and inflammation. Surgeries can also be done if conservative treatment fail.

In mild cases one can visit a physician for the treatment. An orthopaedic physician should be consulted and in some cases a spine surgeon is also consulted when there are complications due to nerve compression and other treatment options are not helping.

If sciatica is not severe then one can treat it at home by applying hot and cold pack. One should also do gentle stretching exercises of back and legs and should keep changing posture frequently and not sitting in one position for a long time.

Yes, physiotherapy can help a lot by doing a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises. If these are done regularly they can help in relieving pain and speed up the recovery process. Also, other exercises in the form of walking and swimming can also help in sciatica treatment.

Sciatica treatment in acute cases lasts for about 1-2 weeks after which a patient starts to feel better. However, one must continue to do the physiotherapy exercises to avoid getting future relapse. Also, if sciatica is not treated adequately then pain can last for months too.