The sciatic or ischial nerve is the longest nerve in the human body. It is located in the lower limb descending into the buttocks, extending on the posterior side of the thigh to the back of the knee. As the innervation of the sciatic nerve touches almost entirely the area going from the buttock to the toes, when a pain, called sciatalgie settles, it follows the same course as the nerve reached.
The pain of sciatica affects about 40% of the world's population. Sciatica is characterized by acute pain that affects one side of the body, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower limbs, but is often mistaken for lower back pain or even leg cramps.
Causes of sciatica
There are several factors that cause sciatic pain, including poor posture, pregnancy, injury, herniated disc, arthritis, obesity, wearing high-heeled shoes, prolonged sitting, etc. ... however, some factors may increase the risk, such as stress, smoking, work by doing a lot of back and leg movements, joint disease, aging, etc.
Best natural treatments for sciatica
The pain and discomfort usually keep people with bedridden, and most of them often take medical treatment to relieve pain.
However, there are 8 natural ways to treat inflammation and relieve pain.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of the alternative treatments and is becoming more popular. It consists of inserting very thin needles in certain areas of the body to stimulate the flow of energy and contribute to the proper functioning of the nerves. Some relief is observed after the first treatment but the results are significant only after a few sessions. Acupuncture is also used to relieve other ailments such as migraine, stress and smoking.
2. Chiropractic care
Studies have shown the effectiveness of chiropractic care in the treatment of sciatica. In fact, these are manual therapies used by the chiropractor to manipulate the spine to restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain for natural healing.
3. Ice packs
The cold treatment can be effective by using an ice pack, wrapped in a towel, to apply on the affected area for 20 minutes, every two hours, until complete disappearance of the pain.
4. Alternation between hot and cold
Treatment with the ice pack can be slow to give an immediate result. So alternating with a hot compress or taking a hot bath can be more effective. By alternating temperatures, the lymphatic circulation is stimulated. This will have the effect of reducing the deeper inflammation. For best results, add Epsom salt, anti-inflammatory herbs, or essential oils to the bath.
5. Light Stretches (Yoga)
When you have pain in the sciatic nerve, mobility seems difficult to consider. However, the body must remain active otherwise the pain can last a long time. Gentle, gentle stretching of yoga improves the healing process.
6. Massage
Deep massages or triggers point therapies consist of treating what are called myofascial triggers points in a muscle. These points are painful and tense areas in the human musculature. Professional Trigger Point Therapy resolves contractures, muscle spasms, pain and numbness of the legs and toes in a lasting way.
7. Herbs and oils
There are many beneficial herbs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation found in capsules, ointments, balms or infused oils. Infusions of fresh or dried herbs also relieve the pain. However, in order to avoid interfering with these herbs with medications, it would be advisable to consult your doctor or professional herbalist.
Here is the list of herbs:
- Devil's claw
- Jamaican dogwood
- Turmeric or curcumin (combine with black pepper to increase its bioavailability)
- Kratom
- Arnica
- White willow bark
- Skullcap Cap
- Wort
- Mullein root
- Roman chamomile
- Clary sage
- Lavender
- Basswood flower
- Milk oats
- Licorice
8. A good sleep
A good night's sleep helps rebuild and strengthen the nerves and allows the body to relax and heal. It is advisable to sleep on a good mattress, to sleep on the side with a pillow between the bent knees, or on the back with a pillow under the knees. It would also be wise to reduce daily heavy loads, strengthen the lumbar and back muscles and use comfortable shoes.
If the symptoms and pain of sciatica persist, a consultation with a specialist doctor will be required to avoid serious complications. Surgery will always be an option if necessary.