<s>[INST] Hi I have been diagnosed with sciatica a few months ago.  It is not painful all the time but I was wondering if there was any non medicinal way to alleviate the pain ?  I have been given some diclofenac sodium 50mg and advised to take three per day, but I really dont want to be taking pills unless absolutely necessary.  I have been doing the exercises my doctor recommended on a printout she gave me, but its not helping.  If anything its making it worse.  I get regular exercise as I am a linedance teacher.  I have also in the last 3 years slowly lost 2.5 stone which my gp is happy about.  Would losing more weight help ?  I am 10 stone approx and 5 feet 2 inches tall.  My age is 49.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you, Rebecca. [/INST] HIT hank for asking to ChatDoctorExercise does not give relief at once it takes few days to weeks, you have to continue it, sometimes it aggravates the symptoms initially, later it gets subsided, do not stop exercise this is the only best way beside the medicine, better have opinion from professional person one who can guide you (Physiotherapist), you can even try tropical analgesic available on counter, keep your stress level low no need to worry, have nice day. </s>