The root of the sciatic nerve, right at the base of the spine, is prone to stress from the spinal column.  The nerves which are lodged between vertebrae are sometimes trapped or pinched by protrusion or bulges, which extend out from the vertebrae.  These are often hernias, and rarely, tumors.  It is the bulge or hernia which may squeeze the sciatic nerve at its root, and cause it to become inflamed or irritated.  It is this inflammation which causes the pain called sciatica.

Once the nerve is pinched, only the release of the pressure can alleviate the pain.  This can be done temporarily, be gently stretching the area around the bulge, to give more room to the nerve.  To solve the problem permanently, surgery would be required to remove the hernia or tumor.

An ice pack on the area for 15 or 20 minutes can help reduce the swelling also.  A heat pad or heat lamp can help relax the area around the trauma, to lessen the pain.   Other pain management ideas include hot showers, massage, acupuncture, and hypnosis.

If you feel pain in your lower back, and it sometimes spreads down one leg or to one foot, it is most likely that you have a sciatic nerve condition.  See a doctor to confirm this. Medicine can be prescribed to reduce the pain, either in the form of an analgesic, or pain killer, or an anti-inflammatory, which will reduce the swelling, but be sure to clearly understand the side effects of the medication.