Top 10 Home Remedies for Sciatic Nerve Pain

1 Hot or Cold Compresses

Hot or cold compresses have been found to very effective at reliving sciatica pain. While heat can be useful for relaxing the muscles which are responsible for the nerve compression, the cold treatment can reduce the pain and also lessens the swelling. The best method would be using both hot and cold compresses alternatively, but cold compress should be the last one. Keep the hot or cold pack for about 15 minutes on the affected regions and keep on alternating for at least two house. Please remember that if you are suffering from circulatory problems, then its best if you dont use cold packs.

2 Turmeric

Turmeric has proven to be very useful for sciatica treatment. It consists of curcumin, which can reduce pain and swelling.

Take a glass of milk, and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to the milk. Boil it for a few minutes, and then add sugar or honey according to taste. Drink this solution at least once daily and start seeing results within a week or two.

You can also take turmeric supplements(500 mg) twice or three times a day instead of the above method. But remember that turmeric can have side effects in patients suffering from diabetes or gallstones, so consult a doctor before consuming it.

3 Massage

Massage therapy is not only beneficial for sciatica pain, but for the overall health of the body as well. Massage the affected area using St. Johns wort oil at least twice per day, since St Johns wort oil has anti-inflammatory properties.

You can also try a different method. Mix 3 tablespoons of nutmeg powder with 1 cup sesame oil. Gently heat the mixture, and then use it for massage after it has cooled down. Trigger point massages can also work wonders.

4 Exercises

Exercises can help a lot when you are suffering from sciatica. They can strengthen both the abdominal and back muscles. The core muscles also improve, which can help you recover faster.

Knee to chest stretches along with spinal decompressions can be practised to improve lower back flexibility.

Lie on your back on the floor keeping the feet straight.

Your upper body should be completely relaxed, while you bring your right knee up.

Now put your hands behind the thigh and pull towards the chest. Keep going till you feel a slight stretch in your leg muscles.

Remain in this position for about 20 seconds and then gradually bring the knee to a resting position.

Repeat the same procedure with the other leg and continue doing this at least 5 times.

Spinal rolling, floor twists, back extensions and yoga can also help.

Remember you should consult your doctor first before performing any exercise.

5 Capsaicincream

This cream contains capsaicin, which reduces pain. Any cream which has 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin will work. Use it at least 4 times every day. You should start seeing results within a week.

6 Valerian root

Valerian root is a natural nerve pain reliever. It has been found to be very effective against sciatica pain caused by a muscle spasm. You need to take 150 mg of valerian root supplement at least thrice every day for 2 to 3 weeks to start seeing improvements.

If you have any chronic diseases, its better if you consult your doctor first. Valerian tea is also a viable option.

7 White Willow Bark

Another natural item for pain removal, white willow bark consists of phenolic glycosides, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Its suggested to take white willow bark supplements daily for a few weeks. You should consult a doctor before taking the supplements though.

8 Fenugreek Seeds

A poultice from these seeds can also help in lessening the pain. It can also be effective against rheumatoid arthritis and gout pains.

Take a handful of these seeds, grind them into a powder and then mix them with milk and boil it. Wait till you get a paste, and then cool it. Apply the paste on the affected regions. Keep it for a few hours before cleaning it up. Continue doing this twice every day.

9 Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a natural treatment which has been quite effective at reducing sciatica pain. It only aids in the bodys natural recovery system, so no side effects are involved. It can also stimulate certain special points on the body called acupuncture points, which stimulate the central nervous system releasing chemicals which act as natural pain relievers.

In 2009, a study was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which claimed that acupuncture was quite effective at reducing sciatica pain. Success rate is quite high, with 17 people out of 30 getting completely rid of the pain. However, the success depends on the skill of the acupuncturist, so one should always choose an experienced acupuncturist.

10 Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractic care has started increasing in popularity as an alternative natural treatment to neck and back pain. Spinal manipulation consists of various techniques to reduce nerve inflammation caused by sciatica.

In 2010, a study was published regarding its authenticity and it showed that more than 60% of people who have been treated with chiropractic carehad positive results. If you are interested, you need to consult a specialist of chiropractic medicine.

Check out the following tips which should prove to be beneficial.

Try to move as less as possible.

Sleeping on a mattress which is neither too soft nor too firm is preferable.

Exercises should be done daily, however abstain for intense exercises.

Don’t smoke since it can cause disc degeneration.

While lifting stuff from the ground, maintain a straight back.

Parijat is a plant whose leaves have been found to be quite beneficial against sciatica. An extract from these leaves mixed with alcohol is created as a commercial product which has received positive reviews.

Please note that you should always contact your doctor first before consuming any herbal medicine, since it can interfere with other medicines that you are on currently. You can also take Vitamin C and calcium supplements for extra benefits.