A large part of remaining comfortable on a long journey is proper pain management. If you isolate the cause, you can lessen the impact or even stop it completely. If you are overweight, work on getting that under control. Make sure you sleep on a firm mattress. Stop wearing high heels, or if you must wear them, reduce the amount of time you walk in those shoes.
Some sciatic nerve pain is not lifestyle related but is caused by medical conditions, such as arthritis or a slipped disc. Your doctor will work with you to devise a plan to address the underlying condition, which should help relieve or reduce your pain.
Whatever the cause of your sciatic pain, discuss your upcoming trip with your doctor to get advice on pain management. Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter painkillers, or in extreme cases, prescribe stronger medication to make your trip more comfortable.
The way you sit during your trip is the most important factor in keeping your pain in check. The best way to sit is with your back flat against a firm chair with your feet flat on the floor. Ideally, your knees should be higher than your hips. You will not have a great deal of control over the seat you have while traveling, so consider bringing a back support device with you to keep you sitting up straight.
If you use painkillers, take them before your leave so that they have some time to kick in before your journey begins. Wearing comfortable, flat-soled shoes will also help. On an airplane or train, try to move around a little bit every few hours so your back and legs do not become stiff.
