Sciatica pain is a discomfort related to the sciatic nerve. The term sciatica actually describes symptoms rather than a certain disease. Most people prefer self-care measures for sciatica pain. Though, resting for a day or few can provide some relief, long inactivity will make the symptoms worse.
Natural Remedies for Sciatica Pain 
In my career as an osteopathic doctor, I met many patients who said that they prefer home remedies for sciatica pain, but many of them also complained that some home remedies have shown as not effective, or increased their sciatica pain.
Therefore, as a Your Health Tuber, I want to point out that I support the self-care treatments, in fact, they are widely proven as one way of treating sciatic nerve pain. But, many home treatments are not effective or even proven, and they just can make your pain worse. In order to avoid any further complication or waste your time on wrong treatments, following you can find only the most effective and proven natural treatments.
Here are some essential home remedies:
- Cold Packs
Primarily, it is recommendable to use a cold pack placed on the affected area for about 20-15 minutes a few times per day. Take a package of frozen peas or an ice pack and wrapped in a cotton towel. Place it on the painful area.
- Hot Packs
After 2-3 days, put heat on the painful area. You can use a heat lamp, heating pack, or hot pad on the lowest setting. If you pain doesn’t stop, use alternating warm and some cold pack.
- Stretching
Certain stretching exercises for the low back can aid you to feel better and help release nerve root compression. You should avoid bouncing, twisting, or jerking during the stretches. Hold the stretch for about 30-40 seconds.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is on the list of effective natural remedies for sciatica due to its great anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the most powerful compound in turmeric that can reduce inflammation and nerve pain.
Simply put 1 teaspoon of turmeric into a cup of milk and boil the mixture. Sweeten it with some honey in the end, and consume this beverage 1-2 times per day until you feel better.
Alternatively, in consultation with your doctor – you can take 250-500 mg of turmeric supplement, 3 times per day for a few days.
- St. John’s Wort Oil
St. John’s Wort is a plant used for various medical purposes since the time of ancient Greece. This yellow-flowered herb has been used thru history to treat sciatica. Having astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, St. John’s Wort oil is one of the best known for regenerating nerve tissue and relieving pain associated with sciatic nerve pain.
Massage the painful area with 6-7 drops of St. John’s Wort oil, or consume 1 teaspoon of this oil, 3 times per day.
- Garlic
Garlic also has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an effective ingredient for sciatica pain treatment.
Increase the garlic usage in your meals. You can also take 4 garlic cloves each morning directly as a supplement. That will help you fight the pain and boost your immune system.
- OTC medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil and other) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are many times helpful for back pain.
- Acupuncture
It is an alternative treatment with hair-fine needles that osteopathic physician inserts at specific points of the patient’s body. This method helps to stimulate energy flow and improve nerve function. In my personal experience, some people get better after just one session. However, for most people it takes several sessions.
Nowadays, acupuncture is really popular treatment method and it can be used for various conditions, such as stimulating lymph flow, relieving migraines, treating stress, and quitting smoking.
- Chiropractic
Manipulation, or spinal adjustment, is a form of therapy chiropractors for treating restricted spinal flexibility. It helps to restore spinal movement and, thus, decrease pain and improve function. Spinal manipulation seems to be as safe and effective as standard treatments for low back pain, but may not be suitable for radiating pain.
Conclusion:
Sciatica pain can be effectively treated naturally. You can potentially release much of the pain and discomfort, just by combining herbal remedies with acupuncture, chiropractic, or regular physical activities and stretching. Maintain proper posture when you sit to prevent sciatic nerve pain. Swimming, yoga, and walking are just some additional sciatica pain natural treatment tips.
If you liked our article, please like our Facebook Page.
You can also find us Google+.
