How to Treat Sciatica With Home Remedies

Sciatica affects people of all ages and can cause pain and discomfort for athletes, stay at home mums, and even people who sit for long periods of time. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about his condition to identify and treat it naturally.

What to know about “sciatica”

Sciatica involves pain and other symptoms as a result of the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This pain often runs down the lumbar area, down the back of the thigh and down towards the toes.

Sciatica can actually be intense and debilitating. Since its affects the nerve, it can create tingling sensations, burning, numbness and other strange feelings, like water is running down your body, when it is not! You may have trouble bending down, or even putting weight on your leg. It may feel like it doesn’t have the strength to hold you up anymore

Sciatica is most often caused by problems in the discs in your back as a result of an accident, degenerative disc disease, an infection or pregnancy.

Your doctor might give you steroid injections or give you anti-inflammatories, and prescribe some R and R, but there are other natural remedies you can try. Here are some ideas.

Home remedies for sciatic nerve pain

Compresses

If you’re afraid of taking natural remedies or simply can’t get out of the house to buy any, try hot and cold compresses.

You can create your own compresses, but one of the easiest ways to get yourself a quick compress is by buying yourself two gel packs that you can both freeze and heat up in a microwave or oven. They are great for sciatica, and other muscular problems, so they’re worth the investment. If you choose this easy method, just put one into the freezer and the other into the microwave. Yes, at the same time!

If you have no gel pack, wet a small towel and put it into the microwave, or dip a small towel into very hot water, squeeze it out and apply it to the top area of your buttock on the side where you’re having the pain and discomfort. Leave it on for 15-20 mins every couple of hours until your symptoms subside. If you use the towel dipping method, cover the hot water so it doesn’t cool down too fast, take the towel off, dip and reapply as needed.

When it comes to cold packs, never apply frozen things directly on the skin! Cover them with another wet towel, or a plastic bag if you’re strapped for towels. Frozen things on the skin isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! Leave the compress on for a maximum of 10 minutes, or as long as you can handle.

Alternate your hot and cold compresses. If there is muscle tension in the buttocks, end with a hot compress. If it’s a disc issue, end with a cold one to get the inflammation down.

Massage

Deep massage is the most effective discipline for sciatica, if your periformis muscle is locked around the sciatic nerve. Go to a therapist that has experience with sciatica. The pain the massage may cause is really worth it. This is an efficient method. You may need up to ten treatments, but a mild flare-up can be fixed within a couple of sessions.

Turmeric

Add one teaspoon of turmeric to a cupful of milk, and an optional cinnamon stick. Boil these ingredients, then sweeten with honey.

Exercises

When it comes to prevention, exercises are a great idea. You should include some strengthening and stretching in your routine. Do them every day for best results, except when you are having a flare-up. Then just stretch your glutes and lower back gently with some yoga or other specific stretches.

Pilates could work very nicely for you if you have back problems. Getting your core muscles into shape will help support your back muscles and reduce the likelihood of inflammation setting in so often.

To strengthen the glutes and back, swim, cycle, walk and do yoga and Pilates, or a mixture of these that suits you and your schedule. Losing weight might also be necessary.

To stretch the piriformis, lie on your front and bend your knees so your feet are in the air. Then let your feet flop out to the sides. To stretch the glutes, lie on your back and cross your legs in the air close to your chest. Then hug your legs in, and feel the stretch!