The sciatic nerve runs from the base of your vertebrae down the back of the thighs to the lower leg and foot areas. When this nerve is compressed, the pain can become unbearable. Sciatic nerve pain may be attributable to a range of things, for instance a slipped disc, pinched nerves, age related constriction of the vertebrae, degenerative disc disease, as well as poor posture. There are several forms of treatment for sciatic nerve pain that can give you some relief. Here are a few of the best approaches to get rid of your sciatica pain.

Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese approach to pain treatment has gained popularity with many people struggling with sciatic nerve pain. Acupuncture is believed to trigger Qi energy in your body, which helps to prevent pain. This will have to be done professionally.

Back Stretches: Stretching routines will help to guide the back muscles to correctly maintain the spinal column. The best stretches for sciatica nerve pain involve your back, neck and shoulders, buttocks, hamstrings and hips. These need to be done carefully and each stretch must only be held for around 20 seconds so you do not hurt yourself.

Cold and Heat Therapy: An ice pack can decrease the pain, inflammation and numbness caused by sciatic nerve pain or sore muscles. Heat helps to enhance the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the painful region, and is most effective when the intense pain has diminished. Switching between cold and heat applications gives the best results.

Hydrotherapy: Soaking in a warm tub relieves aching muscles and calms the body. Soaking for approximately 20 minutes to 2 hours helps relieve the pain due to sciatic nerve pain. If being seated is too uncomfortable, standing under a hot shower for about 20 minutes will do the trick, but you should allow the water to accumulate in the bathtub to cover your feet. This will warm the venous blood that returns from the feet through your body.

Lose weight: Those who are carrying excess weight on their body will want to consider slimming down in order to reduce the pressure on the spinal column.

Reflexology: You can perform this type of treatment on your own using a reflexology tool or your thumb. There are 2 reflex points on your feet, and when pressure is applied there for a minute or two, it relieves the discomfort from the sciatic nerve.

Trigger Point Therapy: Another form of therapy which many people find effective is to apply some force to the trigger point region for about 2 minutes with a ball or other hard object.

Targeted exercises are the best treatment for sciatica you can find. Learn more about the causes and treatment options for this condition at the Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment site.