Posts Tagged ‘treating sciatica naturally’

Treatment for Sciatica: Heading to the Chiropractor

Friday, February 24th, 2012

There are numerous types of treatment for sciatica if you suffer from the condition. Some treatment for sciatica can be natural, while others may be medicinal. One natural and often very helpful treatment for sciatica is going to the chiropractor.

If you prefer drug-free, non-invasive treatment, seeing a chiropractor may be the option for you. Back surgery is not easy to recover from, so before you head right for surgery, you may want to look into going to see a chiropractor. For many years, chiropractic care has been very successful when it comes to treating back problems.

Chiropractors usually deal with tendon ailments, ligaments, muscles, and pinched nerves. For some, their sciatica occurs because of herniated disc, spinal stenosis, facet joint problems, nerve entrapment, metabolic complications, and tumors. If your sciatica stems from any of those conditions it may be best to see a chiropractor. Before he or she touches your back, they will evaluate your symptoms so they can provide you with the best treatment for sciatica.

If you have a ruptured or herniated disc, the treatment program will be suited for a disc injury. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column narrows, causing inflammation. If this is what is causing your sciatica, the proper treatment will be designed for you.

Entrapment occurs when the spine has mechanical imbalance, which may cause you to experience restrictions in the movement of the facet joint. As the muscles tighten, nerve entrapment may occur. Chiropractic therapies will target the piriformis muscles in order to restore balance. The pressure is released and the sciatica nerve may be relieved.

The therapies or treatment for sciatica programs done by the chiropractor will be based on his or her diagnosis. If you decide that chiropractic care is ideal for you, you should look for a professional in your area. Be sure that you are going to see a license chiropractor with adequate experience in the field. The main goal of this type of treatment for sciatica is to restore the normal functions of the back and legs.

 

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 pain Treatment : Acupuncture For Sciatica

Friday, November 4th, 2011

acupuncture for sciaticaIn ancient Chinese medicine, one well-known method of treatment is called acupuncture. Acupuncture may be used as a sciatica pain treatment. Acupuncture for sciatica may minimize spinal stenosis, spine pain, spinal column root compression, neck ache, neuropathy and other uncomfortable and unpleasant disorders.

Many believe that Chinese herbal treatments such as acupuncture, are efficient and less risky than other forms of sciatica pain treatment such as surgery, or steroids.

Acupuncture for sciatica pain may be more efficient if applied immediately on the injuries or during the onset of back pain or back spasms. More serious conditions may require ongoing acupuncture, which may often be combined with other types of Chinese medicine made from natural herbs.

Over half of the adult population may undergo or be affected by sciatic nerve pain at some point in their lives… Acupuncture for sciatica may be a great way to treat this problem as it arises in so many individuals.

 

 

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.


 

Sciatica Pain Treatment | Meditation For Sciatica Pain Relief

Friday, October 14th, 2011

meditation for sciatica pain relief

Recent studies have shown that meditation for pain relief is a very beneficial way to help relieve pain – so why not try it as as treatment for sciatic pain!

One of the many benefits of meditation versus other traditional pain solutions, is there are no known negative side effects.

Meditation can be a healthy way to treat your sciatica without worrying about taking in chemicals or becoming dependent on pain relief drugs.

How does meditation promote sciatica pain relief?

Meditation teaches the body to relax and to focus on things other than the present . For sciatica sufferers this means not focusing on the pain. It may take a while to perfect meditation so that you can fully relax and enjoy the benefits – but be patient,  it’s worth the wait!

See the links below for steps on how to meditate:

The Daily Heal – 5 Steps To Mindfulness Meditation

How To Meditate In 10 Easy Steps!

Basic Steps To Learning Meditation

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!