What is the best treatment and exercise for sciatica?
Again, I do not have a recipe for the answer to this question. However, based on my many years of experience in the treatment of this condition, I would advise the following: • Get a thorough examination from a Chartered Physiotherapist and doctor specialising in back pain. • Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication in the short term (see back pain medication), when inflammation is acute as advised by your doctor. • Get some manual therapy from a massage or physical therapist. Once the pain has eased and the pressure on your sciatic nerve has been released, I then recommend Pilates as the best form of exercise specific to sciatica (see the difference between Yoga and Pilates). It should be taught by a chartered Physiotherapist with knowledge of the type of sciatica you have suffered from. Similar to yoga – Pilates that is taught or performed incorrectly can do more harm than good. However, it is my overall exercise regime of choice in the treatment of sciatica.
