It should be noted that for certain patients with sciatica and spinal stenosis, surgery may be the most effective approach. Lying on the side or back with knees bent supported by a pillow relieves the stress on the back. Many people find that alternating ice packs and heating pads at about twenty-minute intervals is helpful in relieving the pain. Ice packs should be applied first. Supportive back belts, braces, or corsets may help some people temporarily, but they can reduce muscle tone over time and should be used only briefly.
Most experts recommend staying in bed no longer than a couple of days.
One study reported, however, that people who avoided bed rest altogether and simply tried to resume normal activities, without strain or stretching exercises, recovered more quickly than those who were in bed for even as short a period as two days. People who stay in bed a week or longer do even worse. Long-term bed rest results in loss of muscle tone and bone strength, increases susceptibility to blood clots, and causes depression and lethargy. Traction probably has no benefit and may be harmful. Getting adequate amounts of sleep, however, is very important and many physicians feel that healthy sleep patterns play a vital role in recovery from back pain.