Posts Tagged ‘alternative sciatica treatments’

Sciatica Massage: Different for Everyone!

Friday, January 20th, 2012

There are a lot of people suffering from sciatica these days and one of the best ways to alleviate the symptoms is through a sciatica massage. There have been many people who suffer from sciatica that have benefitted from a sciatica massage as treatment. There are different types of massages that have been proven to be effective to relieve the sciatica pain. The sciatica massage is different for a chronic patient than it is for a bed ridden one.

The healing effect of a sciatica massage will only be experienced once this type of treatment method is done on a regular basis. Among the various sciatica massage treatments, the most popular are grouped into two divisions, the Western and the Oriental techniques. The kind of massage that should be given is dependent also on the kind of sciatica a patient suffers from. Therefore, it is always good to consult an expert on sciatica pain before doing any messages in order to determine the correct massage type to use.

The different types of sciatica massage include: Psoas major, ischemic compression, cross fiber friction, quadrates lumborum, and gluteus medius. Even though there are different types of massages for sciatica, all massage therapists agree that the sciatic nerve should never be touched or meddled with too much. Once the sciatic nerve is inflamed, the patient feels a severe pain. Usually, the numbness can be noticed on one side or both sides, along with the legs, which may be difficult to move.

Massage therapists use different methods to conduct a sciatica massage. The most useful and commonly used is the longitudinal strapping or the static compression. This is proven to be the most successful treatment in the form of a massage. This kind of massage allows the therapist to put a great amount of pressure on the muscles and allows him or her to reach the depths on the contraction. An expert therapist always knows how to deal with the various muscle imbalances of a patient. One of the things that a therapist should be able to do is to massage the muscles on the lower back as well as the hip rotators so the patient will be relieved from pain.

The treatment for sciatica will become more successful through a sciatica massage once a therapist and the patient have a healthy relationship. Communication is important with your massage therapist. One important thing to do during a sciatica massage is to tell the therapist exactly how you feel while the massage is being given so that he or she will be aware of it. This will also help the therapist to determine the right kind of sciatica massage to use for the best treatment!

 

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Massage For Sciatica | The Best Lotions And Oils!

Friday, October 7th, 2011

massage for sciaticaMassage for sciatica can work great as a natural pain reliever.

According to experience-essential-oils.com, “Every essential oil contains multiple medicinal properties that assist the systems of the body. As a matter of fact, many of the drugs used today were originally derived from the natural constituent first. Once companies learned how to produce those constituents synthetically, then it was easier and less expensive for them to be produced in a chemical form rather than a natural form.”

There are many oils that can be used in massage for sciatica.  Each essential oil has different properties, some are proven to benefit pain in particular.

The following list are some essential oils that may be beneficial when doing massage for sciatica pain:

  • Chamomile oil helps to control muscle spasms and has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Lavender oil prevents muscle spasms and inflammation. It also helps to relieve tension.
  • Clary sage is a very soothing oil. It has a calming effect when one is anxious and muscles are tensed up from pain. It has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
  • Rosemary has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is also good for relieving back pain as it improves blood circulation.
  • Ginger oil can ease back pain and give one more mobility.
  • Peppermint is good for muscle soreness.

Massage for sciatica is a great way to help temporarily relieve sciatic pain, but is not a cure. Massage will help to relieve tension and stiffness and to relax the muscles.

 

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Alternative Treatments for Sciatica | Minerals for Sciatica

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

minerals for sciaticaThere are many different alternative treatments for sciatica. One way to treat sciatica is to use supplements such as minerals. Below you will find explanations of a few minerals that can help to treat your sciatica effectively.

Calcium
Keeping bones strong by reducing the risk of osteoporosis may be a useful alternative treatment for sciatica and sciatica associated pain. Calcium has long been identified as a mineral that plays a key role in preventing bone disease. A study in the June 2009 issue of “The British Journal of Nutrition” notes that ongoing supplementation with calcium, along with vitamin D, results in decreased bone fragility and bone loss in elderly individuals. Dietary sources which have calcium include: broccoli, cabbage, kale and dairy products such as milk and cheese.
Magnesium
Another great mineral for sciatica is magnesium. Your body contains about 25 g of magnesium, over 60 percent of which is used in your skeleton, states the Linus Pauling Institute. Magnesium affects your bone matrix and bone density, keeping bones strong. It also plays an important role in maintaining healthy nerve function by facilitating the transport of ions, such as calcium and potassium, from cell to cell. Dietary sources of magnesium include: green leafy vegetables, nuts and unrefined grains.

Potassium
Potassium is considered both a mineral and an electrolyte, an ion capable of conducting electricity. The Linus Pauling Institute cites a study that shows potassium may help promote a more alkaline environment in your body, preventing the leeching of calcium from your bones to neutralize a high acidic environment caused naturally by metabolism and by foods you may eat. This may prevent osteoporosis. Proper body functioning depends on strict potassium controls in cell membranes. Multivitamins normally provide not more than 99 mg of potassium. Vegetables and fruits are a rich dietary source.

There are many other types of alternative treatments for sciatica but eating healthy is a good start to living a healthy, sciatica free life! If you would like more information visit our blog post on natural sciatica treatments.

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Sciatic Pain Remedies | Mud Treatment?!

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

sciatic pain remedies - mud treatmentApparently children aren’t the only ones who like to play with mud!

Mud treatment is becoming more and more popular around the world causing grown ups all over to indulge in this exciting and messy medical wonder. But did you know, that mud treatments aren’t only used for super soft skin, they may also be beneficial as sciatic pain remedies…

Research has shown that mud treatments can be beneficial in improving blood circulation, detoxifying skin, purifying skin, blackhead and blemish removal, anti-aging treatment and natural healing of certain medical disorders such as sciatica and low back pain therefore making it an effective natural sciatica treatment!

The mud used in spa treatments is not the typical kind found in a person’s yard, but more of a combination of several types of minerals and clay. There are several different types of mud treatments, each using a different variety of mud. Each type of mud is beneficial for different conditions or symptoms. Research has shown that peat mud may be beneficial as a sciatic pain remedy.

Peat is a type of mud containing water, sulfur, humic and fulvic acids and cellulose. Peat therapy can be used as a sciatic pain remedy and is also beneficial in treating other medical concerns such as; relief of musculoskeletal pains, eczema, detoxification, insomnia, relaxation, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, infertility, immune system stimulation and common aches and pains.

Peat mud can be added to warm or room temperature water, or applied as a hot or cold pack, depending upon the desired results. This type of mineral treatment can be performed at a spa, or in the comfort of one’s own home. The most important applications of peat are baths and body wraps.

Since ancient times peat bath applications have proven their beneficial effects for relaxation and articular pathologies. Each year in Hungary, more than 50,000 peat baths are given with 90% producing therapeutic results.

There are many different sciatic pain remedies available to consumers, and it can be daunting trying to pick the right one… But I must personally say, that a mud bath would be on my top ten list of choices as an exciting new alternative treating sciatic pain!

 

 

 

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Treatment for Sciatic Pain: Online Games to Treat Pain in Low Back!

Monday, July 18th, 2011

treatment for sciatic painLooking for an effective treatment for sciatic pain that is entertaining as well?! Apparently a Michigan doctor has created a new online video game to help you get the proper care for your achy back! The new game is called Back Quack and it is an interactive game that walks you through a clinic and asks you questions about your condition. The game offers insight on your sciatica and low back pain and offers ideas for potential treatment for sciatic pain.

This treatment for sciatic pain offers detailed information which you can print out in pdf form and bring into your doctor for a visit or just use personally for a resource.

Some interesting facts I learned about pain in low back while playing the game include:

Back pain costs America almost 200 billion dollars per year. 4/5 of this cost is not medical: Lost work, legal fees, etc. Only maybe 1/5 is due to people who have acute pain.
• Almost everyone is disabled by back pain for more than a week during their lifetime
• ‘Bulging disks’, ‘collapsed disks’, degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disk disease are ALL normal findings not strongly associated with pain.
• X-rays cannot show disks. They only show bone shadows. MRI’s and CT scans can see disks.
• 1/3 of younger people who have no pain have a disk herniation on their MRI.
• Half of all older people who have no back pain have MRI scans that show ‘stenosis’.
• 2/3 of older people without back pain have ‘degenerative arthritis’
• As we get older our spines get stiffer. So older people have less pain than middle-aged people.
• Scoliosis in adults has to be very severe (maybe more than 40 degrees) before it relates with pain more than chance alone.
• Leg shortening in adults has to be very severe-maybe 2 inches-before it relates with pain more than chance alone. (one exception may be people who run a lot)
• The odds of you getting surgery vary 8-fold from county to county, and relate most to the number of MRI scanners and surgeons in town.
• Driving in a car or truck vibrates your spine at 5 cycles per second-that causes disks to become unstable. So it’s a good idea to wait 5 minutes after a long drive, before doing any heavy lifting. David Wilder, Ph.D., University of Iowa.

So if you are looking for answers about sciatica and searching for a treatment for sciatic pain that will keep your spirits up, check out back quack, the new online game that offers treatment for pain in low back.

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Posted in alternative treatments for sciatica, sciaitca treatments, sciatica pain remedies, staying healthy with sciatica, treating back pain | 1 Comment »

Sciatica Alternative Treatment: Essential Oils For Back Pain

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Essential Oils for Back Pain

Essential oils for back pain are a great way to relieve pain and to reduce swelling and inflammation. When used for sciatica pain essential oils can buy time for the back to heal. Essential Oils can relax and decrease swelling within the muscle tissue. Some people have found great relief when using helichrysum followed by peppermint oil. Another oil that is highly recommended is Palo Santo, this oil comes from South America and has both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Essential Oils can be used in a variety of ways including: massage, aromatherapy, soaks and soaps. Please consult with a specialist on the exact method and dilution you should use with essential oil for back pain.

Below is a list of essential oils that have been know to relieve back pain along with their descriptions:

Helichrysum- This essential oil is an exceptional oil, quite expensive and valued for its pain relief properties, as well as its usefulness in reducing bruising, inflammation and scarring.

Peppermint- Peppermint oil is applied to the skin for headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, toothache, inflammation of the mouth, joint conditions, itchiness, allergic rash, bacterial and viral infections, relaxing the colon during barium enemas, and for repelling mosquitoes.

Nutmeg – Nutmeg oil is very useful for treating muscular and joint pain and sores as it is an excellent sedative. Nutmeg oil is also anti-inflammatory and therefore massaging the part that is in pain with nutmeg oil may bean effective treatment for arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, etc. Nutmeg oil is an essential part of the Chinese medicine when it comes to treating abdominal pain, and inflammation. It reduces the swelling of joints. Often, overexertion leads to body or muscle ache. In such cases nutmeg oil can be very useful to remove the pain.

Spruce- Spruce oil has been used traditionally for infections and for supporting the immune system. It’s also know to be very good for helping arthritis, rheumatic, sciatica and lower back pain.

Basil – Basil has been used extensively in traditional Indian medicine to treat migraines, chest infections and to ward of “evil spirits”. Considered to be a cleansing and clarifying herb it is used to clear blockages. It is a powerful anti-spasmodic (ability to ease spasms or convulsions), kills viruses and bacteria, combats inflammation and relaxes muscles.

Rosemary – This crisp and clean smelling essential oil is great for stimulating the brain, improving memory and mental clarity, while helping with a variety of congested respiratory tract problems, stiff muscles, coldness as well as boosting the liver and gall bladder. It is also used for improving hair and scalp health.

Clove – cloves and clove oil are used in alternative and conventional medicine to help treat a variety of symptoms because of their antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves can be used to treat toothache, earache, indigestion, headache, respiratory difficulties, infections, skin problems, stress and more. Because of its ability to reduce pain and swelling, cloves are often used to treat the symptoms of joint and back pain.

Lavender – This essential oil for back pain has many health benefits. It can be used to help individuals relax, get rid of tension, alleviate pain and increase blood circulation. It also can be used as a disinfectant agent and can help with respiratory problems.

Lavender oil can be quite effective in treating the nervous system. It has a calming effect is great to be used by individuals who want to relax or calm their nerves. It can also be used to treat migraine headaches, depression, stress and tension. Lavender oil is also good to help encourage mental alertness. It is also known to be highly effective for relieving pain. Individuals who suffer from achy muscles, back pain, rheumatism, sore muscles, sprains and joint pain, may find that lavender oil allows them to treat their pain without the use of costly medication.

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Sciatica Alternative Treatment: Acupuncture Relieves Back Pain

Monday, June 6th, 2011

acu-pointsSciatica alternative treatment can range from a variety of techniques such as; acupuncture, chiropractic care, acupressure, aromatherapy, and herbal remedies. Each technique offers its own benefit to treat back pain and to prevent future pain. Recently in the news, one of the more focused forms of sciatica alternative treatment has been acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a form of sciatica alternative treatment that uses small wire-like needles which are inserted into very specific locations of the body called acu-points. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are about 360 acu-points on the meridians in the body. These meridians are channels associated with organs and systems in the body.

Acupuncture is beneficial in the treatment of sciatic pain because not only does it target specific areas of the body to heal, but it also encourages the release of endorphins which research has found is a natural pain killer.

Recently I read an article in the Washington Examiner which discussed a woman named Ms. Land who had been left with nerve damage after on going surgeries for her feet. “The acupuncture has been helping that,” she said. “I feel like anything you do naturally is better than taking medication and they have side effects anyway.” Although in Mrs. Land’s case the treatments were used for nerve damage in her feet, acupuncture is most commonly used for the treatment of lower back pain and  migraine headaches. Upon more research and testimonials it appears that many people have had high success rates from using acupuncture as a sciatica alternative treatment. Some stated that 12 hours after the treatment their sciatic pain was 90% gone.

Acupuncture is gaining popularity in the West and is looked at more seriously by the medical community as well as insurance companies. Many insurance agencies are now accepting acupuncture as a form of sciatica alternative treatment that can be covered by their insurance plans.

Additionally, studies by the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine cite several reports that show acupuncture is promising in treating chronic pain. Studies also note that the effects of acupuncture may peak long after active stimulation ends.

To read more about Mrs. Land’s story please visit the Washington Examiner.

 

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