The sciatic nerve is among the biggest in the body, starting at the lower spine, going through the buttocks, and ending down to the lower limb of the foot.
Its location makes it responsible for the strength, feeling and movement of legs.
Sciatica pain is a common issue, manifested by pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness of the lower limbs, and due to these signs, it may often be mistaken for leg cramps or lower back pain.
At times, it may lead to numbness and mild ache, but sometimes it causes almost unbearable, sharp, burning sensation in one side of the body.
The resulting discomfort and pain usually force people to stay in bed, and usually, patients use some over-the-counter drugs to relieve its symptoms, such as ibuprofen.
Research shows that even 40% of the world’s population will experience this issue at some point in their lives. We will reveal 8 natural ways to alleviate sciatica pain and treat the inflammation.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative treatment, which includes the insertion of hair-fine needles at certain body points, aiming to help the nerve function and boost energy.
The relief of this therapy is felt even after the first treatment, but a few sessions can do miracles for the pain. Nowadays, acupuncture is extremely popular, as it has been shown to be effective in the case of migraines, stress, giving up smoking, and also to stimulate the lymph flow.
2. Chiropractic Adjustments
Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can be effective in treating this issue, as the manipulation of the spine can alleviate pain, promote healing, treat inflammation, restore mobility, and enhance function.
3. Ice Packs
Ice packs can instantly relieve sciatica. You can also use a simple package of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, and place it directly on the painful area. Leave it for 20 minutes I every 3 hours, and the pain will be completely relieved.
4. Alternate Temperatures
Ice packs definitely provide an instant relief, but they cannot do deeper and treat the inflammation, and the sciatic nerve is deep in the body. Therefore, you should apply a hot pack immediately after the ice pack, or you can have a hot bath.
The alternation of temperatures will stimulate the circulation and lymph flow, and thus, you will treat the inflammation, and accelerate its healing. For improved results, you can add some essential oils, herbs, or Epsom salts to your bath.
5. Mild (Yoga) Stretches
Even though every single movement can be painful, you need to be active in order to accelerate healing. Therefore, you can practice yoga stretches or gentle back stretches. In this way, you will improve mobility, strengthen the muscles on the back, and boost the blood flow.
6. Massage
Trigger-point therapies or deeper massaging is extremely effective in treating pain, muscle spasms, and numbness of the toes and legs. Moreover, you will benefit a lot from the use of herb-infused oils and essential oils.
7. Herbs And Oils
Numerous natural herbs can provide great effects, as they reduce inflammation and treat pain. These herbs can be used via infused oils, capsules, salves, and liniments.
Furthermore, you can use these herbs in tinctures, elixirs, essential oils, and tea from fresh or dried herbs, and alleviate pain.
Yet, before you start using natural herbs, consult your doctor, in order to check if they interfere with some medications you take. These are the most helpful herbs you can use in order to reduce inflammation, and pain, and support nerve health:
- Turmeric or curcumin (mix it with black pepper in order to increase its bioavailability)
- Roman chamomile
- Devil’s claw
- Milky oat tops
- White willow bark
- Mullein root
- Clary Sage
- Lavender
- Licorice
- St. John’s Wort
- Skullcap
- Jamaican dogwood
- Linden flower
- Kratom
- Arnica
8. Sleep
Make sure you get enough sleep, in order to relax the muscles and the body, and strengthen and rebuild the nerves.
Although science has not confirmed these alternative sciatica pain remedies, numerous people have experienced significant relief due to them, and have succeeded to control cramps, spasms, pain and numbness.
Yet, in case you experience these symptoms longer that a couple of weeks, you should visit your doctor, as you may have some other condition which pinches the nerves or leads to pressure, such as dislocated vertebrae, and another therapy, or a surgery, may be the solution.
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