What relieves sciatic nerve pain in the leg?

Medication, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery are all used to treat sciatic nerve pain in the leg, according to Mayo Clinic. Stretches, such as the Figure 4 stretch and Pigeon stretch, can help relieve mild sciatic pain in the legs and lower back, according to Healthline.

Drugs used to treat sciatic pain include muscle relaxants, narcotics, anti-inflammatories and tricyclic antidepressants, according to Mayo Clinic. Some patients find relief at home by alternating cold packs and hot packs on the affected area.

Sciatica typically only affects one side of the body, and it is characterized by pain in the lower back, hip, buttocks and leg, reports Mayo Clinic.