Just been reminded by Party4’s post that I should have commented on one earlier on this thread.
What Esspee has said is a life-saver. Sciatica can just drag on and on and possibly lots that we do might sometimes alleviate the pain but more often than not, just exacerbate it.
The exercise she recommends is brilliant. My Osteopath recommended something very similar which I now use if I feel the slightest twinge. I have even done it whilst travelling, as a passenger, on long car journeys in the past. Lying flat on a bed is best, but it can be done whilst seated if you can get your legs enough room to be high enough.
Lie flat and pull up both knees keeping both feet flat and together. Lift one leg and rest the outer edge of the foot just above the knee on the other leg. That other leg should then be pulled by gripping it behind the knee or around the thigh or getting another person to pull it towards your chest. You will feel the ‘burn’ all down the leg which is resting across it. That is the sciatic nerve which you can feel. It probably feels either painful or uncomfortable. But, after a few minutes - and you can do this for as long as you like- the discomfort eases often to the point that there is no discomfort at all. It doesn’t matter which leg you start with, you should do them both so that the nerve is stretched and kept comfortable in both legs. Do this with, say, 3 repeats for each leg, 3 times a day. It will make a tremendous difference and is something positive that Sciatica sufferers can do to help themselves. An ice pack under the buttock afterwards is also very soothing and relaxing. Don’t ever use heat packs......as my Osteopath always says, ‘why would you use heat on inflammation?’