Severe pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve is known as sciatica. It usually only affects one side of the body, starting from the lower back and moving down to the buttocks and back of one leg. It is extremely painful and incapacitating.
In addition to the pain, it causes tingling, a burning sensation in the leg, numbness and weakness in the leg and toes, and difficulty sitting and standing up.
The most frequent reason for sciatica is a herniated or slipped disc. In addition, degenerative disc disease, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, spinal stenosis, isthmic spondylolisthesis, and spinal infections or injuries can cause sciatica.
There are many different therapies for this painful state, but in most situations, the pain disappears only short term. The steroid injections which are often used can cause severe effects.
However, the pressure caused by the irritated sciatic nerve can also be relieved by using only natural homemade cures.
In most cases, the therapy combined with regular rest, gives the wanted effects in approx six weeks.
The 10 Best Home Remedies for Sciatica
Massage
The massage therapy can effectively treat sciatica pain and also supports the healing process, especially if the problem is a muscle spasm. It will release the tension, improve the range of motion, and stimulate blood circulation.
As the pain begins in the lower back and spreads along the thighs and buttocks, it is often linked to the trigger points in the medius muscles and gluteus minimus, so getting a trigger-point massage at least once daily will produce excellent relief.
Hot or Cold Compresses
These treatments provide great relief in this matter, as the cold numbs the pain and lessens the swelling round the sciatic nerve. On the other hand, the warmth relaxes the muscle which creates pressure on the nerves. You can also start with a hot and end with cold therapy.
For most beneficial effects, take a steamed towel for the hot compress. Then apply the compress on the area and let it act for 15-20 mins. Repeat on every 2 hrs for quick pain relief.
Turmeric
Turmeric is notably effective in treating sciatica pain due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, curcumin lessens the pain and soothes inflammation. You need to boil a cup of milk, add a teaspoon of turmeric, you can also add a cinnamon stick and honey for taste. Take this drink 2-3 times daily.
Exercise
Sciatica pain can be drastically eased with physical activity and regular exercise. You need to exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and lower back, in order to accelerate the recovery process. You can take some benefit from yoga stretches alike cat-cow pose or the pigeon pose.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treats the pain and effectively relaxes the muscles. It stimulates certain points of the human body and it affects the central nervous system, this releases chemicals that speed up the recovery and relieves the pain.
Capsaicin Cream
It is the active element in cayenne pepper, it relieves pain as it assists deplete the substance P levels. Make a cream or ointment with 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin and apply on the affected area 3-4 times per day for a single week.
Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties which can be of great help in the case of sciatica, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. This is how to prepare the helpful fenugreek seeds poultice: Grind the seeds and add them to a cup of milk. Then, boil the mixture until it gets mushy.
Afterward, apply it to the painful area and let it act for several hours. Repeat this every day.
White Willow Bark
The bark of white willow has potent pain-soothing, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, due to the olic glycosides with salicin.
Valerian Root
It relieves chronic nerve pain and heals sciatica pain because of muscle spasm. It holds volatile oils that relax the muscles and lessen the tension.
You can intake this herb like supplements, 150 mg 3 times per day for 2-3 weeks, or drink as a tea.
Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractic treatment is possibly the most efficient way to treat the pain in the back and neck. Many techniques include short and rapid effects, followed by spinal manipulation to relieve the irritation of the nerve.
Extra Tips:
- Quit smoking
- A medium softness of the mattress( not too soft not too firm)
- Avoid making immediate movements
- Take vitamin C, calcium and magnesium supplements
- Perform strictly proper lifting techniques bent knees and straight back
