Posts Tagged ‘relief from sciatica’

Sciatica Pain Treatment: Can Acupuncture Treat Chronic Back Pain?

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

sciatica-pain-treatmentAcupuncture has been used for centuries as a chronic pain treatment, and often as a sciatica pain treatment. According to wikipedia, acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by the flow of an energy-like entity called qi. Acupuncture aims to correct imbalances in the flow of qi by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin called acupuncture points, most of which are connected by channels known as meridians. Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of ailments, but is foound especially helpful in the treatment of chronic pain.

Acupuncture is believed to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain, called endorphins. Many acu-points are near nerves. When stimulated, these nerves cause a dull ache or feeling of fullness in the muscle. The stimulated muscle sends a message to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), causing the release of endorphins (morphine-like chemicals produced in our own bodies during times of pain or stress). Endorphins, along with other neurotransmitters, block the message of pain from being delivered up to the brain.

Although acupuncture is not a cure for sciatica pain, it is very effective in treating several diseases and conditions. Acupuncture is most effective at treating chronic pain, such as headaches; menstrual cramps; and low back (sciatica pain), neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat arthritis, facial pain, pain from shingles, and spastic colon and colitis conditions. Acupuncture has also been successful in treating obesity and addictions such as nicotine or drugs. Acupuncture also can improve the functioning of the immune system!

If you are suffering from sciatica pain, what’s stopping you from trying acupuncture as a sciatica pain treatment? There are many acupuncturists that are now offering a sliding fee scale for low income households – and quite frankly the fees are minimal compared to traditional medicine!

 

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.

 

 

Sciatica Remedy : Cayanne Pepper For Sciatica

Monday, October 31st, 2011

cayenne as a sciatica remedyThe term sciatica is used to describe pain symptoms felt in the lower back and buttocks which may be due to an injury, or pressure on the sciatic nerve. Natural medicinal proponents claim the topical use of cayenne may help relieve sciatica pain, and work as a sciatica remedy. However, further scientific evidence is needed to support this claim.

The active ingredient found in cayenne  -which may be beneficial as a sciatica remedy - is called capsaicin.  A study published in the January 2008 issue of “Spine” found topical capsaicin prevented mechanical hyperalgesia, pain sensitivity, caused by disc compression in rats. While these findings are promising, further research is required to determine if cayenne can act as an effective sciatica remedy and reduce sciatica pain in humans.

Capsaicin as a sciatica remedy is suggested to be applied topically by the University of Maryland Medical Center. They also suggest aplying the cream with a 0.025 to 0.075 percent concentration up to four times daily.

Prior to using cayenne as a sciatica remedy, talk with your doctor to determine its safety. As with any natural treatment, cayenne can cause adverse side effects such as skin irritation, itching or a burning sensation.


 

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!