Lisa
I have not been able to get rid of mine - no matter what I do. I do have ways of managing it and getting it under control though. 1. Figure out what are the factors in your life that aggravate your sciatica. In my case, it is sitting, twisting or bending forward. I have all but given up all three. (I even eat my meals standing up.) 2. Exercise has helped me somewhat - but too much or too harsh exercise has killed me at times. 3. Ice is good for nerve pain (which sciatica is). Heat can also help - but be very careful of too much heat. This can lead to swelling/inflammation, which often leads to more sciatica 4. Stretching is good - but do not overstretch because your muscles and ligaments will be too lax and will not be able to protect you. 5. I am on VIOXX - when my sciatica is really bad, it doesn't really help. When my sciatica isn't as bad, it helps somewhat. 6. Skelaxin (or other muscle relaxers) helped with my muscle spasms, but not with my sciatica. 7. Use a lumbar pillow if you must sit. Keep sitting to a minimum. 8. When sleeping, sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs or sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. I personally like side lying better - lying on my back gives me sciatica. 9. Learn biomechanics and proper lifting techniques. Don't lift anything too heavy. 10. Physical therapy might be a good idea - if you go to a GOOD physical therapy place. I went to a lousy one - that's how I originally got sciatica. They were very aggressive. (See number 2!) 11. Learn us much as you can about sciatica and back problems - education is very important. Knowing what you should NOT be doing is as important as knowing what you SHOULD be doing. 12. Posture! Posture! Posture! 13. Trust yourself - you know your body the best. If you feel something is making you worse, it probably is. Don't let an "expert" have you do things that harm yourself. Good luck - I know how utterly frustrating this is.