Sciatic nerve pain can have many causes, including a herniated disc, age-related narrowing of the spinal cord, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, or even improper posture. The sciatic nerve runs from the back down behind the thighs into the lower leg and foot area. When squeezing, the pain can be unbearable. There are several methods of sciatica treatment that help eliminate sciatic nerve pain, including back pain exercises and therapy. Below are some of these holistic treatments that many people have found effective.
1. Heat/Ice – A cold pack can reduce any type of inflammation and numbness associated with sciatic nerve pain or aching muscle tissue and relieve some of the associated pain and should only be used for severe pain. Heat helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to that specific area and is usually only used when the severe pain subsides. Doing both alternately gives the best results.
2. Trigger Point Therapy – Another sciatica treatment that some people find effective is to apply some pressure to the trigger point area with a ball or a hard object for about 2 minutes.
3. Pillow – This sciatica treatment is commonly used and also helps in relieving general back pain. Taking a pillow and placing it under your knees when you lie down will help relieve the pressure that the disc puts on your sciatic nerve, thereby relieving the pain.
4. Warm bath or hydrotherapy – A warm bath relieves sore muscles and relaxes the body. Soaking for about 20 minutes to 2 hours will help relieve the pain caused by sciatic pain. If sitting is too painful, a hot shower for about 20 minutes will do the same thing, but let the water rise in the tub if possible to cover your feet. This warms the venous blood that flows back through your body from your feet.
5. Acupuncture – This ancient Chinese method of pain management has gained popularity among people with sciatica and is very effective. Acupuncture is believed to spread what is called the external pathogen, which activates the Qi energy that helps stop pain. This must be done professionally.
6. Reflexology – This can be done by yourself with a reflexology tool or your thumb. There are 2 reflex points on your feet and applying pressure there for a minute or two will relieve sciatic nerve pain.
7. Back Pain Exercises – Most exercises for back pain involve stretches and strengtheners that help work the muscles to keep the spine properly aligned. The most effective back pain exercises for sciatica nerve pain are neck and shoulder stretches, back stretches, hip and glute stretches, and hamstring stretches. These are always done slowly and should only be held for about 20 seconds to avoid injuring yourself.
8. Massage therapy – This is very beneficial for most people with back pain and sciatic nerve pain. The oriental and western techniques are the most popular today, but you need to be careful about what type of sciatic pain you have. You should seek advice from an expert in the field to determine which treatment is right for you.
9. Diet – Keeping yourself healthy today with the right nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, is always the right decision. People who are overweight or obese should consider losing some weight to relieve their spine. Eating a balanced diet improves your chances of beating sciatica. Magnesium deficiency, along with muscle spasms, can lead to strained, strained muscles, and in turn, cause pain in the sciatic nerve.
10. Herbs – Herbs have been used over the centuries as a very holistic approach to alleviate the pain of certain conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, inflammation, muscles, injuries and wounds. Most of today’s conventional medicines were at some point derived from an herb that was used many years ago but has since been commercialized.
Sciatic nerve pain can be controlled, and sometimes completely cured, with proper diet, natural remedies, and exercise. This guarantees you a healthy, happy and comfortable life.
Thanks to Mark Jacobson
