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Sciatica: Some effective home remedies

Published On: November 7, 2009, 6:10 am

Sciatica: Some effective home remedies By Ishpreet Bindra
Sciatica is a problem which is becoming more or less common these days and is seen even in very young and healthy people as well. While many mistake it for muscle pulls or back and leg pain, it actually is a problem related to the Sciatic nerve. It is vital to realise that Sciatica is basically a condition rather than a disease and its progenitors are a series of other causes present in the body. Herbs can prove to be very useful in treating this problem if taken under professional supervision.
 
Sciatica or sciatic ain is a condition where there is extreme pain in one or both the legs, starting from the pelvic region downwards. One of the most common identifier for sciatic pain is the fact that the pain starts from the side of the hip and extends all the way down to the big toe. Pressure at the back of the knee or side of the hip helps to ease the pain which otherwise may even temporarily cripple movement.
 
Sciatica is caused when there is constant pressure on the sciatic nerve which is being compressed due to one or the other reasons. Some of the common factors leading to sciatica are –
 
  • Accidents – often due to falls or accidents, there is sudden pressure on the body, which may cause muscle imbalances or disc displacements in the back. This in turn causes starts to exert pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain and difficulty of movement.
  • Herniated discs – many a times due to various factors, a disc might shift its position and start to protrude out a little. This displaced disc exerts pressure on the nerve and causes sciatica.
  • Joint dislocations – many a times, due to extreme exercises or external pressure the joints in the pelvic reason are pulled out of their place. This results in muscle imbalances in the area and causes the periformis muscles to exert pressure on the sciatic nerve.
  • Vertebral dislocations – if a vertebra gets dislocated from its original place, it may start to narrow the space of the sciatic nerve and start pinching it. This compresses the nerve to cause pain and discomfort.
  • Spinal Stenosis –in some cases the spinal cord may start experiencing a constriction of space in the spinal canal. As a result muscles begin to shift and cause imbalances. This restriction in space due to these muscles puts pressure on the spine and hip and they appear to be positioned awkwardly, due to pressure on the nerve.
  • Muscle injury – sciatica basically arises from muscle sprain or injury, which reduces the muscle’s flexibility. This in turn restricts its movement making it exert pressure on the sciatic nerve.
 
Herbs which help in sciatica –
 
There are many herbs which when taken in prescribed does have proved to ease the sciatic pain. Some of these are – Devil’s claw, oil of wintergreen, St.John’s Wort, Chamomile, etc. In addition to these, horse tail is one herb which is known to build connective tissue. Therefore in cases of sciatica from muscle imbalances this herb might be effective. Jamican dogwood is another herb quite useful to cure nerve compressions.
 
However, it is vital to understand that herbs should not be taken without a practitioner’s advice. Many herbs have to be topically applied and others have to be ingested, either as pills or as tea. There are also those which can not be taken by pregnant women, heart patients etc.
 
Home remedies for Sciatica –
 
  • Turmeric - One of the best home remedy for sciatic pain is turmeric. It is being used in Asia since ages for the cure of pain and inflammation. Other than being used in food on a daily basis, a pinch of turmeric can also be added to a glass of warm milk and had at night before going to bed. This has healing properties.
  • Garlic in Mustard Oil - this is an excellent cure for all kinds of pains related to nerves and muscles. Heat some garlic pods in mustard oil till the time they are burnt. Cool and apply this oil daily on the area that is paining.
  • Potato and celery juice – daily consumption of these juices mixed with a little beetroot and carrots proves to be helpful with sciatica.
  • Garlic – include the anti-inflammatory garlic in your daily diet and if you can then have some pods of garlic with a little milk. The difference will be evident within days.
  • Water – increase your intake of water as it will cleanse the toxins away, enhance blood circulation and relax the muscles.
 
Some lifestyle changes –

  • Avoid strenuous exercises.
  • Maintain a proper posture
  • Avoid lifting heavy things or weights
  • Exercise light but regularly
  • You may also try massage or acupressure
  • Sleep on a firm mattress
 
The cure for sciatica is slow and takes time. Persistence and consistency in approach together with some herbs and lifestyle changes will help a great deal in curing the problem.

Related Tags: Sciatica, Home remedies
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