Sciatic nerve pain is a type of back pain. It causes a shooting and sharp pain that spreads from the lower back and goes through the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet.
Unfortunately, this pain affects around 40 percent of the adult American population.
Sciatic nerve pain causes a constant dull ache in the lower part of the back, inability to lift or move the feet and legs, pain in the lower back that comes and goes, pain that goes down the leg into the feet, tingling sensation in the feet, numbness in the thighs, and weakness in the foot and leg.
What Are the Possible Causes for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain can happen after a pinched or compressed nerve. Here are some of the main causes of sciatic nerve pain:
- Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs start to weaken and wear down, causing the nerve to pinch. The fluid from the degenerated disc may leak and cause irritated sciatic nerve.
- Bone spurs
Vertebrae bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve root and cause pain and discomfort.
- Herniated discs
The discs between the vertebrae may bulge and put pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis
This happens when the spine becomes narrower due to arthritis or aging. It may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
- Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle extends from the sacrum to the hip joint. Located on top of the sciatic nerve, if it becomes tight, it may put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Vertebral fracture
If there’s a fracture of the vertebrae, it may compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort.
Top 8 Ways to Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Pain Naturally?
In addition to conventional medicine to address sciatic nerve pain, there are also plenty of natural ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. Here are the top eight options at your disposal:
- Chiropractic care
Chiropractic treatment may help align the spine, lower the pressure, and restore the spine’s structural integrity.
Chiropractors perform specific spine manipulations that are created to decompress the sciatic nerve and lower sciatica pain.
- Acupuncture
The insertion of specific thin needles into the acupoints is done to release endorphins and other natural painkillers in the body.
Acupuncture lowers inflammation and betters the flow of oxygen-rich blood in the body. This enables a more efficient delivery of nutrients to the compressed nerves.
- Hot & cold therapy
Heat and ice may help lower sciatica pain and speed up the healing process. The ice will numb sore muscles and reduce inflammation. The heat will boost the blood flow.
The alternation between hot and cold will decrease the muscle spasms, lower swelling, and alleviate pain and discomfort. Limit each application of the heating pad or ice to no more than 15 minutes to half an hour.
Protect the skin by putting a cloth or a towel between the skin and the heat or cold source.
- Massages
Massages help better the blood flow, reduce tension in the muscles, and decrease pain.
Massage of the connective tissues and the deep muscles provides instant relief from the pain associated with sciatica.
- Regular movements
You can speed up the healing process by getting up and moving around as much as your body allows. This will help better your blood flow, decrease your pain perception, and increase your flexibility and strength.
- Yoga
Yoga is comprised of various stretching exercises, meditation, and breathing exercises designed to provide relaxation and reduction of pain.
Regular yoga practice has a long list of health benefits and it may be of aid for people with sciatic nerve pain. It will strengthen your body and encourage the release of toxins.
- Good posture
Practicing and keeping a good posture is pivotal for a healthy back and a lower risk of sciatica.
Good posture, particularly when sitting, prevents slouching or sitting on the lower back which causes pressure and compresses the sciatic nerve.
Sitting upright and holding the feet firmly on the floor may be helpful for the reduction of sciatic pain and discomfort.
- Devil’s claw
Native to southern Africa, devil’s claw is an herb praised for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics. It may help reduce pain in the lower back and pain in the legs.
For centuries, this plant has been used to alleviate rheumatic conditions associated with the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and nerves.
You can apply creams with this herb topically on the painful area or take it orally in supplement form.
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