The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc . When a disc develops a tear or crack and protrudes into the spinal canal, it can pinch the sciatic nerve. Usually, the symptoms disappear in about 6 weeks, but for some people, the pain may last.
In most of those affected, the available non-surgical remedies and regular exercise will help relieve pain.
We cite some techniques or natural treatment of sciatica:
Chiropractic care
Sixty percent of people with sciatica who find no relief in other therapies and then attempt spinal manipulation experience the same degree of pain relief as patients who finally undergo surgery, according to a 2010 study from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics .The 120 people studied attended a chiropractor about 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and then continued weekly visits, decreasing treatment, as they felt better. In people who responded to chiropractic care, the benefits lasted up to a year. " Spinal manipulation can create a response in the nervous system that relieves pain and restores normal mobility in the injured area ," says study researcher Gordon McMorland, DC, of National Spine Care in Calgary, Alberta . "It also reduces inflammation creating an environment that promotes natural healing mechanisms of the body."
Acupuncture
Technique focused on achieving well-being through the free flow of energy through specific pathways to the body. It consists of introducing very fine needles into the skin near the painful area."You can get relief from the first session, although it takes about 12 sessions to see an improvement," says Jingduan Yang, MD, assistant professor at the Myrna Brind Jefferson Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. A small study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that of 30 people with sciatica, 17 got complete relief and 10 improved symptoms with warming acupuncture, in which the needles get hot.
Yoga
Gentle forms of yoga can be beneficial for sciatica .By strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, a yoga practice can help sciatica sufferers “move and function better so they don't fall into a posture that aggravates sciatica,” says James W. Carson, PhD, a psychologist at Comprehensive Pain Center at Oregon Health & Science University.
Massage
Do not wait for a chill-out spa massage if you have sciatica. In this case, trigger point therapy is the best , says Jeff Smoot, vice president of the American Massage Therapy Association.The sciatic nerve sits under a muscle called piriformis, which is located below the buttocks. "When the piriformis muscle narrows, the sciatic nerve is pinched, causing a tingling and numbness that goes down the leg," says Smoot. Pressure is applied to the irritated and inflamed areas, or trigger points, in the piriformis muscle, as well as in the muscles of the lower back and buttocks.
Topical preparations
St. John's wort oil, a liniment, is "one of my favorites for nerve pain," says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, director of scholarships at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. You have to apply the anti-inflammatory oil two or three times a day, where there is pain. Another option: a cream or poultice of cayenne pepper; Capsaicin, found in peppers, prevents the release of compounds that cause nerve pain. For severe cases, Low Dogs uses the Chile Qutenza patch prescription, designed for shingles pain. “An application is effective for weeks”Ice or heat
Because the sciatic nerve is buried deep in the buttock and leg, ice or heat on the surface of the body will not relieve internal inflammation. Traditional treatments can act as revulsives, that is, in the painful area they will contribute to the pain remitting . Apply an ice pack or hot pack as needed for 15 minutes.Exercise and Physiotherapy
Getting around is usually the last thing people who have sciatica want to do, but it's important to be physically active. Staying in bed makes the pain more likely to last longer. Exercise increases blood flow in the disc and nerve, which helps get rid of the chemicals that cause inflammation . It is recommended to walk 15 to 20 minutes, swimming or water aerobics; There is not so much pressure on your back when you are in the water. It may also be worth seeing a physical therapist, who can prescribe stretching exercises to regain flexibility in the back or movements that strengthen the muscles of the base, helping to stabilize the spine and reduce the likelihood of a similar injury.Diet
A diet with vitamins and minerals is always correct to treat sciatica. In this sense magnesium is important, since its lack can cause muscular tension and hardening and in turn cause pain in the sciatic nerve. People with obesity or overweight would do well to lose weight, to relieve pressure on the spine.Herbs
There are herbs or plants that have properties that help deflate the sciatic nerve , and soothe the pain by eliminating toxins.- Nettle. It is advisable to either take a bath, with a liter of nettle infusion in the water or pass a sprig of fresh nettle through the painful area, with the aim that the stinging principles cause a reaction that masks the sciatic pain and deflates the nerve .
- Willow. Its salicin content, the principle of aspirin, is very effective for sciatica. You have to make a decoction of 2 grs. of dry bark, per glass of water. And drink two or three cups daily.
- Cabbage. Hot cabbage leaves on the affected area will soothe the pain quickly
- Thyme. Apply a poultice with mint, sage or rosemary and thyme, for a few minutes on the painful area.
- White radish Application of a lotion with white radish juice in the affected area.
- Mustard. A poultice with mustard flour will produce a reddening of the area with the consequent increase in heat.
- Ulmaria Stimulates the secretion of urine and eliminating uric acid and chlorides is very useful for those cases in which sciatica has its origin in a rheumatism problem.
- Corn. A poultice prepared with cornmeal is very energetic to cure sciatica.
