Pain Relievers
There are two main types of painkillers used to treat sciatica pain, namely over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. On the other hand, prescription painkillers require a doctor’s prescription and are usually stronger than over-the-counter variants. Commonly prescribed painkillers for sciatica include tramadol, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are over-the-counter drugs that can be used to relieve sciatica pain. Acetaminophen relieves pain by reducing inflammation. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that also reduces swelling and pain. Aspirin can also be used as an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce swelling and pain. These drugs can be taken orally in pill form or applied topically as a cream or gel. Consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially for individuals who have a medical condition or are pregnant.
There are also a variety of prescription medications that can be used to relieve sciatica pain. For example, corticosteroids are synthetic versions of the hormone cortisol. They are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can be taken orally or injected into the spine.
