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Sciatica refers to the pain and discomfort caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve or nerve roots. This nerve is the longest nerve in the body which runs from the lower back and pelvis, through the hip and buttock area, down to the back of each leg, and controls many of the muscles in these areas.
When one of the nerve roots in the lower spine is irritated or compressed, the result is pain felt in the lower back, buttock region and/or parts of the leg and foot. This pain can range from an infrequent discomfort to a continuous, excruciating and debilitating pain accompanied by sensations of numbness or weakness in the lower limbs.
It is important to note that Sciatica is not a disorder, but rather a set of symptoms that may differ slightly depending on the cause, which nerve root is being compressed, and why.
Sciatic pain, or sciatica, occurs off and on with many people. Sometimes it’s mistaken for lower back pain or leg cramps. When it does, the tendency is to stay in bed and gulp down some ibuprofen or other OTC (over the counter) pharmaceutical.
But sciatica is a symptom of another problem that is pinching or creating pressure on the sciatic nerve. It’s not a diagnosed condition itself. The sciatic nerve is the largest single nerve in the human body. It runs down each leg from the lower spine all the way to the feet, providing movement, feeling, and strength to either leg.
Here is some more information that can be useful in search of treating sciatic nerve pain (SCIATICA). NATURALLY.
DEALING WITH ACUTE SCIATICA
Goals:
**Reduce Inflammation (& relieve pain)
**Release Muscle Spasm
**Balance Body Structures & Systems
**Nourish
1. ICE
Please ice. Two large ice packs, placed one on the buttocks area and one across the front hip area. Sports medicine recommends icing for 20 minutes, followed by heat, every two hours. A cold ice pack (even a packet of frozen peas will do) wrapped in a towel and held on the painful area for approximately 15-20 minutes should help reduce inflammation and provide mild pain relief. Repeat this throughout the day.
2. HEAT
A hot pack or even regular hot baths will also help relax tight muscles that may be putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Heat applied after icing in the form of a heating pad or (if you can get there) a very hot bath for 20 minutes. This alternating of temperatures increases circulation and opens energy channels in the body which greatly assist the healing process. If you have someone in the house who can simmer you up a pot of bath herbs, by all means!
Herbs to use would include Alder, Willow, Yarrow, Rue, Birch, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and any other of your favorite anti-inflammatory plant.
1-2 cups of Epsom salts added to your hot bath will also help. Feel free to stir in a few drops of essential oils (listed later in this article)
3. HERBS
Anti-inflammatory herbs and herbs specific to the nerves can help a great deal. You will need to determine your dose based on your sensitivity to herbal tinctures, what medications you might be on and whether it is safe for you to combine them, and your body weight as a general guide.
Herbs such as Matricaria recutita, Arctium lappa and Devil’s Claw all have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and have been used for centuries in the treatment of backache and muscle cramps. Homeopathic ingredients such as Rhus tox and Colocynthis are also well known for the treatment of pain, muscle soreness and stiffness as well as nerve pain.
Four herbs that should help you get through sciatic pain
(1) Jamaican dogwood has often been the top choice for relieving nerve pain. It’s powerful stuff. It is derived from the bark of the dogwood tree, and can be taken in capsule or tincture forms as well as a tea from the bark’s powder.
If you go to conventional medical site, you’ll see mainstream medicine agrees with its efficacy, but with all kinds of warnings to not use it without a doctor’s supervision because it can be toxic. However, herbal sites assert it is not toxic for humans, although too much can overly sedate.
It is appropriately advised that pregnant women or lactating mothers not use Jamaican Dogwood, and anyone with a congestive heart condition should avoid it also. If taking any other medication, determine if there could be contraindications or complications.
(2) Turmeric or curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, is a natural anti-inflammatory that can be taken as a tonic to minimize chronic inflammation. It’s best to heat turmeric in milk or ghee and coconut oil with some pepper, which contains piperine to help absorb nutrients.
Taking turmeric often is okay for sciatica. If you need a short cut, curcumin enteric coated capsules with piperine is suggested for optimal absorption and faster relief.
(3) Kratom is an herb that is both fast and natural for pain relief and unknown to most of us.
Indonesians hooked on opium used kratom to help them endure opium withdrawal easily. According to legend, that’s why it was banned there. It was interfering with the opium trade. Maybe so, maybe not.
The fact that it also makes you feel good, helps overcome depression has caused a stir in the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration).
(4) Arnica with DMSO combines a homeopathic topical cream with DMSO as an adjunct to give fast pain relief from sciatica. Adding DMSO speeds and deepens arnica’s topically applied efficacy while adding its own pain and inflammatory relief.
4. ACUPUNCTURE
Make an appointment and go. Have someone drive you and carry you if necessary. Especially if your acupuncturist also uses Moxa and herbal remedies. Accupucture
5. MASSAGE
If you’re in a situation similar to mine, stretching will be out of the question. Massage can offer some immediate comfort as well as assist the muscles out of spasm. Deep tissue massage or localized deep pressure massage has proved most effective for me. A friend or partner with a steady elbow or strong thumbs are the best. It’s likely you will know exactly where you want the pressure. Once a day after the hot bath is ideal, as more than that will perpetuate the superficial bruising that is likely.
6. OILS & LINIMENTS
Frequent applications of nerve healing, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxing herbal infused oils provide additional help. A few herbal infused oils in addition to St. Johnswort that are helpful are: Chamomile, Birch, Mint, Brahmi (Gotu Kola), Lavender, Clary Sage, Goldenrod, and Yarrow.
7. SLEEP
Extra sleep is needed to restore the balance of the body in all ways. The muscles have a chance to relax, the nerves have chance to rebuild, the temperatures in the body have an opportunity to balance and perform their optimal roles.
8. HYDRATION & LUBRICATION
WATER is awesome, INFUSIONS even better. In the case of sciatica, our goal is to hydrate, reduce inflammation, and nourish the nerves.
9. BREATH
Deep belly breathing brings oxygen to every cell in the body, and exports what is no longer needed. Breathing deeply is a simple and powerful tool, allowing you to initiate healing without moving, without help, and without costing you a penny. Using your minds-eye, you can also direct you breath into afflicted areas for localized healing.
10. RELEASE
Beyond the practical, lies the secret you. Checking in with your thoughts and present internalized stressors can reveal areas of panic, fear, or tension which may need to be mentally or emotionally freed. Maybe this is a little esoteric, but who cares when you’re flat on your back in agony! There’s no side effects here. Release can be assisted by breathing, chanting or mantra, affirmations, self-dialogue, self-love practices, loud moaning, or journaling.
Physical Therapy
If your Sciatica is the result of a herniated disk (slipped disk), a physical therapist will probably play a vital role in your recovery. After a thorough assessment, they will develop and facilitate a treatment plan that may include exercises to relax and strengthen muscles, as well as improving flexibility and posture.
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