Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I am experiencing sciatica.  It has been persistent for over 6 weeks and is getting worse.  I can no longer sit for any period of time nor drive a car.What is the prognosis for most people? Is it episodic or is this the new normal.  What treatments are recommended?
[|AI|]  I read your question carefully, and I am sorry about the persisting pain you are in. In 80% of the patients the sciatica pain does subside gradually over the course of the weeks. It may be recurring though, that is a possibility if there are chronic changes on your spine which with aging are not likely to disappear. If the pain has not subsided for 6 weeks though imaging evaluation is needed to see the degree and site of nerve compression. If disk compression by degenerative changes is confirmed then initial step remains physical therapy and painkillers, if those remain ineffective local injections of steroids and analgesics are tried. Last resort is surgery. I hope to have been of help.