Sciatica
Sciatica
is characterized by pain that runs along the path of
the sciatic nerve, usually traveling from the lower
back and buttocks and the back, outer side of the leg,
sometimes as far as the foot. Symptoms of sciatica include
pain, burning, tingling, stabbing, and aching anywhere
along the path of the sciatic nerve. In severe cases,
the pain may be associated with weakness. Typically,
sciatic symptoms are recurring unless the cause is found
and treated.
What
To Consider
Distinguishing
between sciatic neuralgia and sciatic neuritis is essential
for proper treatment. In cases of sciatic neuritis,
the pain is due to inflammation of the nerve pathway,
whereas in sciatic neuralgia the pain is usually caused
by an irritation of the nerve due to disk, bone, and/or
muscle dysfunction.
Sometimes
chronic musculoskeletal pain may be due to low thyroid
conditions, nutrient deficiencies, old injuries in associated
joints that never healed completely or correctly, referred
pain from problems in internal organs, and/or emotional
stress.
Proper
treatment of sciatic requires removing the cause of
pressure on the sciatic nerve itself, along with abnormal
stresses on the foot, knee, hip, and/or back that alter
the walking gait and place additional strain on the
corresponding muscles.
Note
Insufficient exercise and weak and/or tense,
cramped muscles can create the imbalances that ultimately
result in sciatica.
Self-Care
Tips
Diet
Eat organic foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1) and
magnesium, since both nutrients act as natural muscle
relaxants. Such foods include dark leafy green vegetables,
yellow vegetables, whole grains, and raw seeds and nuts.
Eliminate coffee and other caffeinated beverages, chocolate,
and all sugars, and drink plenty of pure, filtered water.
Nutritional
Supplementation
The following nutrients can help to ease sciatic pain
vitamin B complex, vitamin B1 (thiamine) vitamin B12,
vitamin E. calcium, magnesium, and manganese sulfate.
Aromatherapy
Apply a cold press and/or lightly massage
the sciatic region with the essential oils of chamomile,
lavender, or birch.
Herbs
Mix equal parts of willow bark and St. John's
wort tincture and take half a teaspoonful three times
a day. You can also massage the affected areas with
warm St. John's wort oil to help alleviate pain. Other
useful herbs that can be taken as teas or tinctures
to tone the sciatic nerve are black cohosh, chamomile,
fenugreek, juniper berries, mugwort, parsley, rosemary,
and skullcap.
Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Colocynth,
Viscum album, Lachesis, Rhus tox., Aconite, Arsen alb.,
Lycopodium, Mag phos., Ruta grav., and Atropa
Belladonna (6X potency) for neuralgia.
Hydrotherapy
Soak in a bath with water at body temperature
to which one cup of Epsom salt has been added.
Topical
Treatment
Apply moist or dry heat to the affected area for one
hour, four times a day.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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