Archive for the ‘sciatica and vitamins’ Category

Sciatic Pain: Herbal Remedies

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Sciatic pain occurs when your sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body, is damaged or compressed by other structures in your body. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that sciatica is a symptom and is not a medical condition alone. There are many possible causes of sciatic pain. Herbal remedies for sciatica pain may help relieve your discomfort, but you should talk to your doctor first about the best herbs to use.

Sciatica pain, which ranges from mild to severe, is pain that radiates, or travels from your lower back down the back of your leg. In some cases, sciatic pain may reach the back of your calf and beyond. Possible causes of sciatica include herniated or bulging disks, narrowing of your spinal canal, or vertebral fractures. Sciatic pain is often worse after sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

For years, herbal medicines have been used to help treat sciatica. The most commonly used remedies for sciatica includes St. John’s wort, juniper, burdock, yucca, devil’s claw, dong quai, alfalfa, burdock, chaparral and black cohosh. Other helpful herbs for this condition may include slippery elm bark, oat straw, and white willow bark, an herbal remedy that contains salicylic acid, an effective pain reliever.

Juniper is an herb that is often used to treat sciatica. Juniper possesses strong anti-inflammatory action, which may help explain its ability to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as sciatica. The fruit, or berries, or the juniper plant are used in herbal medicines and supplements.

Although sciatic pain itself is not life-threatening, this symptom can lead to several health complications, including reduced sensation in your leg, partial or total loss of leg movement and leg injuries due to lack of sensation. You may also experience side effects caused by prescription drugs for this condition and sciatic pain may be a sign of a serious underlying problem. If you develop the symptoms of sciatic pain visit your local health care professional to be evaluated and treated.

Source: Livestrong

 

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Sciatic Nerve: Pain Solutions

Monday, February 27th, 2012

You will more than likely experience sciatica when the sciatic nerve becomes aggravated, reddened, or pinched. Sciatica is a very uncomfortable situation in which Western medicine has little to offer other than pain medicine. There are a few ways to maintain natural, therapeutic treatments of the sciatic nerve. This includes nurturing the sciatic nerve, strengthening the surrounding area, and removing any basis of inflammation.

Potassium rich foods, such as bananas, are very helpful to avoid, prevent, and treat sciatica. Eating more of these types of foods may facilitate the healing of your sciatica nerve. Potassium helps out the functioning of the neuromuscular, as well as helping us steer clear of hypertension. Some of the many good sources of potassium are cantaloupes, apricots, fish, bananas, carrots, prunes, nectarines, chicken, turkey, raisins, potatoes, and tomatoes. It is better to choose fresh products in order to avoid consuming additional sodium.

If you are alarmed that you are not consuming a sufficient amount of potassium, you should think about the possibility of taking a potassium supplement. However, you should keep in mind not to exceed the suggested dosage. Take supplemental potassium in more than one form. Make sure that you consult your doctor before taking these supplements if you are on any prescription medications.

Acupressure is also a solution to avoid and treat sciatica. Acupressure can assist in relieving the pain caused by the sciatic nerve. It is advised that you choose a well-trained practitioner. In order to get the best treatment and avoid damage to the sensitive nerves of the back, you must have an expert in the field.

The suggestions above are great solutions for healing the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve damage can be uncomfortable and extremely painful. If you think you are experiencing sciatica nerve issues, consult your doctor immediately.

 

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Sciatica Remedy: Fresh Pineapple For Sciatica – YUM!

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Personally I absolutely LOVE the tangy deliciousness that is pineapple! But, it’s even better to know that this amazing fruit is also know for its anti-inflammatory properties and therefore may prove useful as a sciatica remedy.

sciatica remedy: pineappleAs you may already know, all fresh fruits including pineapple are packed with enzymes. However, pineapple is well known for being packed with a specific enzyme called bromelain. This gives the fruit some amazing properties including; a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Some websites state that bromelain may be useful in treating bruises, sprains and strains by reducing swelling, tenderness and pain. It is also states that this anti-inflammatory will help in relieving osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and reduce postoperative swelling. The medicinal benefits of pineapple have been known and recommended in South American and Central American cultures for hundreds of years.

It is important to note that most of the bromelain is concentrated in the core of the pineapple. So if you are making a smoothie make sure to include the stem. You may also find bromelain in tablet form as well. To gain the benefit of bromelain as an anti-inflammatory and effective sciatica remedy, make sure to buy fresh pineapple only – canned and frozen as well as store bought juices will not contain the enzymes needed for it to work properly.

Before using bromelain to improve your health, first consult with a knowledgeable medical practitioner as there are many possible side effects and drug interactions that can occur with this supplement.

 

 

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Back Pain: 5 Quick Tips To Ease Back Pain

Monday, November 7th, 2011

tips for back painLiving with back pain can be challenging to say the least. It’s imperative that you understand the actual cause of your back pain so that you can treat it accordingly. Below are five quick tips to help ease your back pain, and make your life a little less painful!

Take your vitamins!
You may help reduce chronic pain by getting the proper amount of essential B vitamins. B vitamins help support your central nervous system, boost your immune system, and help your body heal after injury or illness.  Omega 3 fatty acids may also be essential as they are known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which may help eliminate the inflammation that leads to pain. Seafood, eggs and milk are naturally high in omega-3s. And vitamin B can be found in foods like bananas, potatoes, avocados and legumes, as well as nuts and turkey.

Clean out that purse!
If your purse or briefcase is 10% of your weight, it’s too heavy!  Clean it out, and make sure to only carry around the essentials. It is also important to carry your bag properly as to not aggravate or cause injury to your back. One tip is to alternate shoulders so that you aren’t applying constant pressure/weight to just one side of your body.

Sit up straight!
If you are one of the many who spend 8+ hours sitting at a desk, it is imperative that you sit properly. Make sure to sit with your back against your chair and place both feet flat on the floor. If you stand for long periods make sure to change your position – widen your stance or alternate your position to avoid repeated stress on the same muscles.

Get up and get moving.
This doesn’t mean go out and over exert yourself! Just get up, and get the blood pumping in your body! Walking alone can promote circulation and relax over-stressed and tightened muscles.

Sleep…
Sleep is an essential nutrient for your body. If you are having trouble sleeping or find that you wake in the morning more tired than when you went to bed, you may need to take a good look at where and how you sleep. A good mattress is key to a good nights rest! When your body is allowed to rest in its natural position, muscles are relaxed and sleep is more refreshing. Make sure your bed is as comfortable as possible, so that your body gets the rest it deserves!

 

 

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Relief From Sciatica | Vitamins for Back Pain and Sciatica

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

relief from sciatica with vitaminsRelief from sciatica sure doesn’t come easy… There is always surgery and physical therapy – but what about those few who have less severe cases, and are looking for relief from sciatica naturally?

Vitamins can actually be an effective relief from sciatica if used properly. Vitamins for back pain and sciatica include;Vitamin D, C, B and E.

According to “3 Fat Chicks on A Diet” (really it’s a website I promise!)  Vitamins and minerals can help treat back pain. Read below for their detailed descriptions on which vitamins do what and how they can help give your back a break!
1. Vitamin D
The body needs vitamin D to create new bone cells. It is also an essential component in calcium absorption for healthier bones. A lack of vitamin D in the body can lead to the softening of the bone surfaces, which usually results in lower back pain.

Vitamin D has been proven to be a very good agent in maintaining back health. People with chronic lower back pain experienced significant improvement in their condition when they started taking vitamin D regularly. Studies show that regular vitamin D intake may lessen the spasms in your lower back.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that helps lower back pain. Like vitamin D, it increases calcium absorption in the body which promotes strong and healthy bones.  Vitamin C is known to help in the process of healing fractured and broken bones, wounds and burns. Regular intake of vitamin C also offers many health benefits such as strengthening of your immune system and increased protection from common colds and flu.
3. B Vitamins
Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that is essential for your overall health. In this group, three vitamins help lower back pain. They are vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Research shows that these vitamins may considerably reduce your lower back pain. They aid in the healing of inflamed nerves, which is one of the causes of lower back pain. Furthermore, vitamins B1, B6, and B12 help strengthen and nourish your nerves to help them heal and prevent further damage.
4. Vitamin E
When your lower back is inflamed, free radicals are released. These free radicals are toxic and may cause more damage, because they can increase the inflammation of your back. Vitamin E can help lower back pain as it is a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals. By taking vitamin E regularly, you increase the antioxidant reaction in your body that may help relieve lower back pain.

When looking for a natural sciatica treatment always remember that vitamins can be a good place to start – Here’s to good health and yummy vitamins which  provide relief from sciatica!

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