Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by many things, including a herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal cord due to age, degenerative disc disease, pinched nerves, or even incorrect posture. The sciatic nerve runs from the back down, behind the thighs, to the lower leg and foot area. When compressed, the pain can be excruciating. There are several sciatica treatment methods that help eliminate sciatic nerve pain, including exercises and back pain therapy. Below you will find some of these holistic type treatments that many people have found effective.
1. Heat/Ice – A cold compress can reduce any kind of inflammation and numbness associated with sciatic nerve pain or sore muscle tissues, relieving some of the associated pain, and should only be used when the pain is severe. Heat helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to this specific area and is typically only used when severe pain subsides. Alternating both gives the best results.
2. Trigger point therapy – Another sciatica treatment that some people find effective is to apply some pressure for about 2 minutes with a ball or hard object to the trigger point area.
3 pillow – This sciatica treatment is commonly used and is also helpful in relieving common back pain. Taking a pillow and placing it under your knees when you lie down helps relieve the pressure that the disc puts on the sciatic nerve, thereby reducing pain.
4. Warm bath or hydrotherapy – Taking a warm bath soothes sore muscles and relaxes the body. Soaking for about 20 minutes to 2 hours helps reduce pain caused by sciatic pain. If sitting down is too painful, a hot shower for about 20 minutes will do the same trick, but let the water rise in the tub if possible to cover your feet. This heats the venous blood returning from your feet through your body.
5. Acupuncture – This ancient Chinese method of pain management has gained popularity among people suffering from sciatica and is very effective. Acupuncture is believed to spread what is called the external pathogen, activating Qi energy, which helps stop pain. This must be done professionally.
6. Reflexology – This can be done by yourself with a reflexology tool or with your thumb. There are 2 reflex points in the feet, and when pressure is applied there for a minute or two, sciatic nerve pain is relieved.
7. Exercises for back pain – Most back pain exercises will include stretching and strengthening, which will help train the muscles to support the spine correctly. The most effective back pain exercises for sciatic nerve pain include neck and shoulder stretches, back stretches, hip and gluteal stretches, and hamstring stretches. These are always done slowly and only need to be held for about 20 seconds so you don’t injure yourself.
8. Massage therapy – This is very beneficial for most people with back pain and sciatic nerve pain. Eastern and Western techniques are the most popular used today, but care must be taken with the type of sciatic pain you have. You should get the advice of an expert in this field to determine what would be the right treatment for you.
9. Diet – Staying healthy today with proper nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, is always the right decision. Overweight or obese people should consider losing some weight to relieve pressure on the spine. Eating a well-balanced diet will improve your chances of beating sciatica. Lack of magnesium can cause tight muscles, a feeling of tension along with muscle spasms, and in turn, create sciatic nerve pain.
10.Herbs – Herbs have been used throughout the centuries as a very holistic approach to relieve pain from certain disorders such as sciatica, arthritis, inflammation, muscles, injuries and wounds. Most of today’s conventional medicines were at some point taken from an herb that was used many years ago but has since been commercialized.
Sciatic nerve pain can be managed and sometimes completely cured with proper nutrition, natural remedies, and exercise. This will ensure you have a healthy, happy and enjoyable life.