8 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Sciatica Pain

Both hot and cold can be beneficial in the treatment of sciatica. In the case of cold, we should not apply the ice directly to the skin to avoid burning us.

Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, and the sufferer experiences severe pain that starts in the lower back, up to the legs, or even the feet.

This pain is often not just the result of irritation of the sciatic nerve. It still retains the name sciatica, or sciatica attack, because it is very similar. 

Irritation of the sciatic nerve occurs when it is compressed under excessive pressure.

The main causes of sciatica pain include, but are not limited to, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, fracture, tumor, or pregnancy.

People who suffer from sciatica experience intense pain which can prevent them from performing many tasks on a daily basis.

This pain is often accompanied by changes in the sensitivity of the skin surrounding the sciatic nerve. Muscle weakness and decreased muscle reflexes as well.

We will therefore suggest, below, 8 ways to combat sciatica pain in a natural way, to put an end to this pathology.

1. Acupuncture

A recent study was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She reveals that in a group of 30 people who received acupuncture treatment, 17 of them no longer felt pain at all, while 10 others felt an improvement in symptoms thanks to the needles used in this medical technique.

2. Yoga

In a recent study, it was proven that people who regularly suffer from sciatica pain, and who practice yoga for more than 16 weeks, experience a 64% reduction in their pain, and a 77% reduction in their disability. 

3. Massages

Massages are a great option for relaxing muscles and combating pain associated with the sciatic nerve.

In this case, the ideal is to use a relaxing essential oil, and to concentrate on the areas affected by the pain, being careful not to exert too much pressure which could make the problem worse.

4. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs

Whether natural or pharmaceutical, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can be very effective in treating sciatica pain.

This type of treatment can provide pain relief for 8 hours, and can be taken for up to two days in a row.

If you are using pharmaceutical treatment, do not abuse the pills given to you as they may have unwanted side effects.

5. The application of heat

A hot water bottle, or a warm washcloth, can be very effective in treating sciatica pain.

Another option can be to apply a warm compress to the affected area, and leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Application of cold

Ice packs can also significantly decrease sciatica pain.

To reap the benefits of this therapy, you should apply the compress to the lower back, or affected area, for 10 to 15 minutes.

This treatment will help reduce inflammation and pain for a while.

You should always apply ice wrapped in a cloth, not directly on the skin.

7. Plants

Herbs with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be of great help in the treatment of sciatica pain.

Among these plants, you can choose between the following: 

• Ginger
• Turmeric
• The pepper
• Black birch
• Wild lettuce
• The street

8. Physical exercises

Although patients with sciatica pain can rest for 2 days for relief, the best way to combat this pain is to practice exercises and movements that strengthen the sciatic nerve.

When the muscles and structures of the spine are not used, they weaken and lose their ability to support the back.

So it becomes more difficult to deal with this problem, and it can get worse over the years.

Exercises to decrease and combat sciatica pain should include a stretching plan that works particularly in the affected areas, in addition to a good aerobic exercise session.

Walking is a great exercise to reduce lower back pain. Its impact is light and it works perfectly the area generally affected by this problem.

It is very important that sciatica pain treatment exercises are carried out under the supervision of an expert,  as they must be performed correctly so that the patient’s condition does not worsen.

Poor movement, or bad postures adopted during exercise, can make the initial problem much worse.