Natural Cure for Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatic pain, or sciatica affects 1 to 3 percent of the adult population, according to the Journal of Controversial Medical Claims. Sharp, shooting pain, numbness or burning of the buttocks and legs are the most reported symptoms. Sciatic pain is caused by injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve. Several natural cures for sciatic pain exist.
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Massage Therapy
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A massage therapist will have several types of treatments. If treating yourself, try sitting on two tennis balls. Place one in the center of each buttock, not only the affected side. It is important to keep the spine balanced. Pressure to the center of the buttocks relaxes the gluteus and piriformis muscles, taking pressure off the sciatic nerve.
Reiki
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Reiki is a Japanese technique for deep relaxation that promotes healing. It is performed by a reiki practitioner placing hands on the body. Anyone can learn reiki and give self-treatments. Reiki clears negative energy and straightens energy pathways, allowing life force energy to flow in a healthy way.
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Rest, Ice and Heat
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If you find a comfortable position while having sciatic nerve pain, use it. Rest until you feel able to resume normal activities.
Cold reduces inflammation of the sciatic nerve and surrounding structures. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, since it may cause tissue damage. Place a towel between the ice and your clothing.
For comfort, fill a tube sock with white, uncooked rice and secure the top. Place in the microwave for two to three minutes. The sock can be reheated as needed. Apply cautiously to the area of discomfort. As with ice, do not apply the rice sock directly to skin.
Chiropractic Treatment
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DTS spinal decompression is a computerized spinal stretching table. The stretching creates a vacuum effect so that injured discs may realign and begin to heal. Most patients describe the experience as relaxing and feel better as soon as they get off the table. However, if something feels uncomfortable during the procedure, the patient has total control over the table by pushing a button. Each session is 20 minutes long, and sessions are given over several weeks. After stretching, the patient may feel totally well. The entire plan, however, includes continued muscle strengthening exercises to be sure that healing is complete.
Yoga
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It is best to work with an experienced yoga instructor. Any forward bends should be done with bent knees to keep pressure off the sciatic nerve. Choose yoga poses that strengthen the muscles of the lower back and enhance circulation to the pelvis. Adapt or avoid any poses that are uncomfortable.
Acupuncture
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Acupuncurists understand energy meridians that run through and over the surface of the body. At very specific points, tiny needles are placed to open obstructed meridians. Once a normal energy flow is established, the meridians can resume nourishing the body and allow it to heal itself.
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