Ways to help sciatica

✿ Keep moving – do what you can to avoid sitting or lying still for long periods. Take a pharmacy painkiller (but don’t use pain relief to overdo things, either).

✿ Avoid heavy lifting, stooping and other activities that stress your back – you may need to switch chairs or bed, or ask for adjustments to your work space.

✿ Lose weight and take regular exercise to protect your spine longer term.

✿ Learn stretches and exercises to strengthen your back, improve core muscles and posture, and reduce recurrences (see arthritisresearchuk.org).