Published on: 5/21/2025
What Medications Are Typically Prescribed for Sciatica?
For sciatica, doctors often prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relief medications, but these treatments can vary based on individual needs.
Explanation
Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg. To help with this pain, doctors often prescribe medications. One common type of medication is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs help reduce inflammation and pain.
According to the studies, NSAIDs can be helpful for some people with sciatica, but they might not work for everyone. Other pain relief medications are also used, and the choice of drug can depend on how severe the pain is and how the person responds to treatment.
It's important to know that treating sciatica, especially in older adults, can be challenging. Older people might have other health problems that affect which medications they can take safely. Therefore, doctors need to consider each person's overall health when prescribing medication for sciatica.
If you are experiencing sciatica pain, it's best to talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment options for you.
(References)
- Rasmussen-Barr E, Held U, Grooten WJ, Roelofs PD, Koes BW, van Tulder MW, & Wertli MM. (2016). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for sciatica. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 27743405.
- Pinto RZ, Maher CG, Ferreira ML, Ferreira PH, Hancock M, Oliveira VC, et al. (2012). Drugs for relief of pain in patients with sciatica: systematic .... BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 22331277.
- Ferreira ML, & McLachlan A. (2016). The Challenges of Treating Sciatica Pain in Older Adults. Drugs & aging, 27738964.
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