Severe lower back pains characterize Sciatica. The pains suffered by sciatica patients are definitely not something to be dismissed quite easily. Pains essentially appear on the sciatic nerve found at the lower area of the back where most movements are done. You could just imagine the pain that sciatica patients need to endure; which is why they are always on the lookout for ways to treat their condition and alleviate the soreness. There are various home remedies that can be implemented to reduce your discomfort while you search for permanent cures to sciatica. Many cases of sciatica usually just go away, given that the patient takes time to rest. Exercises and medications typically comprise the initial treatments for sciatica. You can find convenient relief in a number of ways. You need to avoid sitting down if you find that standing gives you more relief. You can also alternate short walks and lying down. As you feel you are able to walk painlessly, you can increase your distance. OTC drugs like NSAID (naproxen and ibuprofen) and acetaminophen can also be taken to reduce the pains. If you have a heating pad, set it on low-medium setting and then apply to the affected area 15-20 minutes every three hours. Ice pack may also be used; whichever of the two gives you the best relief. One session with the heating pad may be replaced by warm shower. You may soak in a tub of warm water and then immediately take cold shower after that. Exercises may also help improve your condition. The exercises are concentrated to work on the lower back. They help allow your back to stretch and relax. Some of these exercises are feline stretch, pelvic tilt, hamstring stretch and back extension exercises. They all help reduce the pain while you stretch your body. You need first to identify which exercises will suit your needs best so you can get the most from your efforts to exercise. Foods and beverages are also useful in treating sciatica naturally. These foods should be included in your everyday diet. What you need to eat are foods rich in vitamins and/or minerals like Thiamine and B1. Foods with these nutrients are spinach, pork, bananas, green peas, legumes and unpolished rice; juice extracts of beetroot, potato and carrots. Consuming these foods will help treat sciatica and also improve your general health. Your blood circulation is also improved by these foods; keep your body energetic and warm. Another staple herb in the kitchen is garlic, which helps provide relief from sciatica and other pains. If you are taking some medications, it may be best to consult first with your physician if it is safe to use garlic and your mediation together. This way, you can avoid dangers and possible dangers from the combination. Drink a lot of water to help decrease the soreness of your lower back. Water will allow better blood circulation. You can reduce the impact and pain of sciatica by also changing your lifestyle. You need to adopt a better body posture especially while standing. The mattress you need to choose to sleep on should be firm. You need to avoid lifting some heavy objects so you can also avoid suffering from pains.