Tips for healing sciatic nerve pain

10 Tips for healing sciatic nerve pain

Any damage, excessive pressure, muscle spasm, twitching in the back or inflammation that affects the sciatic nerve, can trigger sciatica; however, in most cases, the origin of the problem is usually an affected vertebral disc (a disc or an intervertebral hernia). It is usually not a dangerous condition, but a pain in the lower back is often a major cause of disability. In this article, we will discuss how to heal sciatic nerve pain.

The sciatic nerve is the widest and longest of the body. It begins at several levels of the spine and its branches join to form a single nerve trunk. Its function is to transmit nerve impulses to perform most of the movements of this entire body area.

This nerve extends to the knee where it divides into two branches that continue towards the foot. Its long course and large size make the sciatic nerve particularly vulnerable to pressure or damage, which causes when there are disorders, an intense pain that begins in the lower back and extends through the buttocks, thighs, and legs to reach the foot.

Sciatica can be acute, lumbago that radiates below the knee and lasts less than six weeks, or chronic, that lumbago that radiates beyond the knee lasting more than six weeks. The pain is located along the sciatic nerve.

It is presented in an intense way, and it is suddenly established, incapacitating the person to perform the simplest tasks. Its causes are related to any pressure, damage, muscle spasm, twitching in the back or inflammation that affects the sciatic nerve. However, in most cases, the source of the problem is usually a spinal disc (herniated disc or intervertebral) that oppresses the sciatic nerve. Also, other factors of pressure on this nerve are:

  • A tumor
  • An abscess
  • A blood clot
  • Bad position when sitting
  • Any nervous disorder
  • Rheumatic problems

10 tips to recover sciatic nerve pain are given below:

  1. Cold / Heat
  2. Acupressure
  3. Pillow
  4. Hot bath or hydrotherapy
  5. Acupuncture
  6. Reflexology
  7. Exercises for back pain
  8. Massage therapy
  9. Diet
  10. Herbs

1. Cold / Heat to heal sciatic nerve pain.

A cold pack can reduce any type of inflammation and numbness associated with sciatic nerve pain or muscle tissue pain, relieving some of the pain associated with it, but should only be used when it is intense. The heat helps to increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients that reach this specific area and, in general, it is used only when the intense pain decreases. Alternating both is what gives the best results.  Cold / Heat

2. Acupressure to heal sciatic nerve pain.

Another treatment of sciatica, which some people find effective, is to apply a little pressure with a ball or a hard object for about 2 minutes, in the area of what are known as trigger points. Acupressure

3. Pillow to heal sciatic nerve pain.

This treatment for sciatica is often used and is very useful also to relieve common back pain. It consists of placing a pillow under the knees when going to bed; that helps relieve the pressure that the disc is exerting on the sciatic nerve, thus reducing the pain. Pillow

4. Hot bath or hydrotherapy to heal sciatic nerve pain.

Taking a hot bath relieves muscle pain and relaxes the body. Soaking from 20 minutes to 2 hours helps reduce the pain caused by the sciatic nerve. If sitting is too painful, a shower of hot water, for about 20 minutes, will produce the same effect, but if possible, let the water accumulate in the bathtub to cover the feet. This will heat the blood in the veins that come back from the feet through the body.Hot bath

5. Acupuncture to heal sciatic nerve pain

This ancient Chinese method for treating pain has gained popularity among people suffering from sciatica, and it is very effective. It is believed that acupuncture disperses the so-called external pathogens, activating the Qi energy, which helps to calm the pain. It must be done by professionals.Acupuncture

6. Reflexology to heal sciatic nerve pain

You can do this yourself with a reflexology tool or with your thumb. There are 2 reflex points on the feet, and when a pressure is applied to them, for a minute or two, it relieves the pain of the sciatic nerve.Reflexology

7. Exercises for back pain to heal sciatic nerve pain

Most back pain exercises combine stretching and strengthening, helping to strengthen the muscles to support the spine correctly. The most effective exercises for sciatic nerve pain are neck and shoulder stretches, back stretches, hip and gluteus stretches, hamstring stretches. You have to do them slowly, and you only have to keep them for about 20 seconds, in order not to hurt yourself.Exercises for back pain

8. Massage therapy to heal sciatic nerve pain

It is very beneficial for most people with back pain and sciatic nerve pain. Oriental and Western techniques are the most used today, but precautions should be taken depending on the type of sciatic pain you have. It is best to be advised by an expert in this field to determine which the most appropriate treatment for each case is.Massage therapy

9. Diet to heal sciatic nerve pain

Staying healthy, nowadays, with adequate nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, is always the right decision. Obese or overweight people should think about losing some weight, in order to relieve the pressure on their spines. Following a well-balanced diet will improve our chances of beating sciatica. The lack of magnesium can cause hardening or feeling of tension in the muscles, together with muscle spasms, and, in turn, produce pain in the sciatic nerve.Diet

10. Herbs to heal sciatic nerve pain

Plants that possess properties to deflate the affected area, eliminate toxins and relieve pain will be used.

Nettle: It is recommended to take a bath, adding a liter of nettle infusion, to the water. This will relax the sciatic nerve and decrease pain. Another solution consists in passing a sprig of fresh nettle through the painful area, in order that the stinging principles produce a reaction in the organism that, on the one hand, mask the sciatic pain, and on the other, deflate and nullify the pain of the affected area. The application should be done very carefully, a couple of times a day.

Willow: It is effective for its content in salicin, the principle of aspirin. A decoction of 2 grams is made of the dry bark, by a glass of water. They drink two or three cups a day. Children from 4 to 10 years old should take half the dose. It should not be taken in case of allergy to aspirin. Its prolonged use can irritate the stomach.

Cabbage: Hot cabbage leaves are applied on the affected area. The pain will be quickly relieved.Cabbage

Thyme: Prepare a poultice with mint, sage or rosemary and thyme, and apply for a few minutes on the painful area.

White radish: A lotion is prepared with the white radish juice, and placed on the painful area. It should not be maintained for more than 20 minutes.

Mustard: A poultice is made with mustard flour, and applied to the affected area. This preparation will produce redness with the consequent increase in heat. You should not stay on the site for more than 20 minutes.

Ulmaria: As a powerful diuretic, it stimulates the secretion of urine, eliminating uric acid and chlorides. It is very useful for those cases in which sciatica has its origin in a rheumatism problem.

Corn: A poultice prepared with corn flour is very effective in curing sciatica.

We hope you will like these tips for healing sciatic nerve pain. We want your comment and suggestions to improve our ideas. Thank you and have a great day!

You may also like Tips in case of lumbago.

Shital

Shital regularly contributes health-related topics and healthy living ideas to this blog and other health blogs around the web. When she’s not busy working with the jobs, you will find her undertaking many of her own health-related topics and healthy living ideas! She has a lot of dreams. She works hard to fulfill her dreams. She loves to share her ideas, tricks, tips and information by blogging. She also works at CYONWO, a company that committed to helping businesses with online marketing.

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