Are you suffering from sciatica nerve pain? It can be a debilitating and painful condition, but you don’t have to live with it. In this article, we will cover some of the causes of sciatica, effective treatments, and lifestyle tips to help you get back to living a pain-free life. Keep reading to learn more about how to reduce your sciatica nerve pain and get back to living your life.
What Exactly is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that involves pain that runs from the lower back to the buttocks and/or the outer back of the leg. It radiates along the sciatic nerve, hence the name. Sometimes the sciatic nerve fibers also become inflamed. Something’s amiss with the delicate column of bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints that holds you up. You might have strained a muscle, pulled a ligament, or maybe you have a herniated disk. These disks, which separate the vertebrae, are fibrous rings surrounding a pulpy core. If a disk is herniated, some of that pulpy material is pushing against a nerve root. You have sciatica if a herniated disk presses on the sciatic nerve, causing sharp pain to shoot down the leg.
Sciatica Indian Names
Other names include –
- Sciatic Neuritis (Scientific Binomial Name),
- Sciatic Nerve Pain (Common English),
- (Unani),
- Kati Snaayu Shool (Hindi / Urdu),
- Kal vali (Tamil),
- Kati Pradosh (Marathi),
- (Sanskrit),
- Nitambabedana (Bengali),
- Tunti noppi (Telugu),
- Vata (Kannada),
- Sciatica (Malayalam),
- Zuogushenjing tong (Chinese),
- Ciatica (Spanish),
- Ciatica (Portuguese),
- ishias (Russian).
Sciatica Root Causes
Sciatica is a pain felt along the back and outer side of the thigh, leg, and foot, with accompanying back pain and stiffness generally caused by a damaged disc putting pressure on either the sciatic nerve or one of the many other nerves which start in the lower back area. The roots of the sciatic nerve lie near the base of your spine. They pass through a tunnel in your pelvis called the sciatic notch, then come together like separate lanes merging into super highways. The two large sciatic nerves that lead all the way down your legs. When the sciatic roots are pinched by pressure from a herniated disk, for instance sensations of pain, tingling, or numbness may extend all the way from your buttocks to your legs, feet, and toes.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Sciatica is the name given to the aching or pain along the route of the sciatic nerve. This is the largest nerve in the body, running from the spinal cord, through the buttock and the back of each leg. Sciatica is usually due to by pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve, most commonly from a prolapsed disk, but other possible causes include pregnancy and childbirth, heavy lifting, stress, or a tumor. The type of pain varies from mild to more severe and “shooting” in nature. There may also be some symptoms such as a burning sensation and muscle weakness. Numbness or pins and needles in the leg, foot, or toes. Muscle spasms in buttock or leg. Diminished reflexes in knees and ankles.
Home Remedies for Sciatic Nerve Pain
1. Mustard Plaster
Have you ever heard of a mustard plaster? This home treatment has a long folk history of use as a treatment for both respiratory complaints and rheumatic problems like sciatica. A mustard plaster eases a number of back issues such as sciatica, neuralgia, joint inflammation and rheumatic pain. Quantities for the mustard paste will depend on the size of plaster required. Use a piece of cotton or linen cloth at least twice the size required.
- Grind mustard seeds (be aware that black are the hottest), then add 4 times as much all purpose flour and enough cool water to make a paste.
- Spread paste onto half the fabric, fold over, if too wet add another layer of cloth, once placed on the affected area this will increase blood circulation, perspiration and heat.
- Do not let the paste touch bare skin, and do not use for longer than 30 minutes. Remove and wash well with warm water.
- Mustard is a rubefacient counterirritant, which means it cause a soothing feeling of warmth on the skin while its counterirritant properties cause mild irritation, distracting the body from the deeper pain of sciatica. The combination of heat and counterirritation has a pain relieving effect.
- OR Rub the mustard oil into the affected area to warm it.
2. Hip Bath
Hot hip bath is beneficial for excessive pain. This bath is generally taken for 8 to 10 minutes at a water temperature of 40 C to 45 C.
- The bath should start at 40 C.
- The temperature should be gradually increased to 45 C.
- No friction should be applied to the abdomen.
- Before entering the tub, drink one glass of cold water.
- Place a cold compress on the head.
- A hot hip bath helps to relieve painful menstruation, pain in the pelvic organs, painful urination, inflamed rectum or bladder and painful piles.
- It also benefits enlarged prostatic gland, painful contractions or spasm of the bladder, sciatica, neuralgia of the ovaries and bladder.
- A cold shower bath should be taken immediately after the hot hip bath.
- Care should be taken to prevent from catching a chill after the bath.
- The bath should be terminated if you feels giddy or complains of excessive pain.
3. Yoga Asana – Gomukhasana
Yoga asanas are very effective to treat buttocks, hip, and lower extremities. Gomukhasana (Cow face pose) yoga is one of the useful yoga asan for sciatic.
- Sit erect on the floor, with your legs outstretched.
- Fold your leg back.
- Place your left foot under the right hip.
- Similarly, fold back the right leg and cross your right foot over your left thigh.
- Place your right heel against the left hip. Both soles should face backwards, one over the other.
- Now interlock your hands behind your back. See to it that if your right leg is over the left, then your right elbow should face upward and the left elbow downward.
- Reverse this position when there is change in leg position.
- Hold the pose for 30 seconds and then repeat the procedure reversing the process.
- The practice of gomukhasana will strengthen the muscles of the upper arm, shoulder, chest, back, waist and thigh.
- It is beneficial in the treatment of seminal weakness, piles, urethral disorders and kidney troubles. It also relieves varicose veins and sciatica.
4. Ginger Sesame Lotion
Ginger sesame lotion is useful for sore skin. Grate two fresh ginger roots on the smaller holes of a hand held grater so as to obtain a finer pulp. Enclose this in enough double layered gauze or cheesecloth and press hard enough to extract 1- 2 tsps. of juice. Then mix the juice with 3 tbsp. of sesame seed oil and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Rub this sesame ginger oil directly on the sore areas.
5. Willow Bark
Willow comes with healing effect, it contains salicin, the herbal equivalent of aspirin. It can help relieve sciatic pain, and is as an effective pain reliever for everything from headache to arthritis. The salicin content of willow varies from species to species. Start with a low dose tea made with a 1/2 teaspoon of dried herb and working your way up to a dose that provides effective pain relief. As with aspirin, long term use of willow bark may cause stomach distress and even ulcers, so try sweetening willow bark tea with a little licorice, which has ulcer preventing benefits. And if you’re allergic to aspirin, you probably shouldn’t take herbal aspirin, either.
6. Hayseed
Hayseed soothes painful back joints and muscles. Many Europeans using hayseed as Kneipp therapy, where hayseed has been packaged in bath bags or prepared in the form of hot poultices. Hayseed poultices are effective for treating a range of rheumatic conditions as well as sciatica. But how does hayseed work? It is a mixture of grass seeds, especially Anthoxanthon odoraturm. It contains a good deal of a compound called coumarin, a camphor like substance that boosts local blood flow when applied externally. There are lots of amazing testimonials endorsing hayseed baths and poultices for relieving sciatic pain. Hayseed added to bath has ability to soothe painful backs, joints and muscles.
7. Yoga Asana – Paschimottanasana
Yoga asana – paschimottanasana is a good stretching exercise in which the posterior muscles get stretched and relaxed. It relieves sciatica, muscular rheumatism of the back, backache, lumbago and asthmatic attacks. It is also valuable in constipation, dyspepsia and other abdominal disorders. Here is how to do it? Sit erect. Stretch your legs out in front of you, keeping them close to each other. Bend your trunk and head forward from the waist without bending your knees and grasp the big toes with your rest your forehead on your knees. With practice, the tense muscles become supple enough for this exercise. Old persons and persons whose spine is still should do this asana slowly in the initial stages. Maintain the final pose only for a few seconds. Return to the starting position gradually.
8. St. John’s Wort Oil
St. John’s wort oil helps to dull nerve pain and speed tissue repair. Apply fixed oil directly on the skin overlying neuralgic areas. OR Rub fresh lemon over the affected area – it works!
9. Celery
Drink celery juice or an infusion of celery seeds to alleviate sciatica. Sciatica and other back pains may be eased by lying on the floor for 15 minutes. Prop the head up on a small pile of paperback books and keep the knees bent. Repeat daily.
10. Chinese Herbalism
Sciatica is believed to be caused by heat stagnation in the Liver. Gou Teng may be useful, and San Qi can help with the general relief of pain. A practitioner will select herbs specific to your symptoms and the cause of the condition. OR Apply bruised juniper berries to the affected area for pain relief.
FAQs
Q. How to cure sciatica permanently? How to get rid of sciatica pain permanently?
There is no known cure for sciatica. Symptoms are managable with treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. Surgery may be recommended in some cases if other treatments are not effective. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to getting rid of sciatica pain permanently. However, there are a few things you can do to help manage and reduce the pain associated with sciatica. These include:
- Regular Exercise: Exercise can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and legs, which can help reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Posture Correction: Poor posture can cause and/or exacerbate sciatica. Correcting your posture can help reduce pain associated with sciatica.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, which can reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Yoga and Stretching: Stretching and yoga can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and improve posture.
- Medication: Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with sciatica.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Q. How to get immediate relief for sciatica pain?
Immediate relief for sciatica pain may include over-the-counter pain medications. Other treatments may include exercising, physical therapy, and stretches. In severe cases, steroid injections may be useful to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
Q. How do I get sciatica to go away?
The most effective way to get sciatica to go away is to seek medical attention. Your doctor can help you determine the underlying cause of your sciatica and create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Additionally, there are also some home remedies you can try to help alleviate your pain, such as: heat or ice therapy, stretching, massage, acupuncture, yoga or tai chi, and over-the-counter pain medications.
Q. What are 2 symptoms of sciatica?
- Pain in the lower back, buttock, and/or down the back of the leg.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the leg and/or foot.
Q. Does sciatica go away on its own?
In some cases, sciatica can go away on its own without any treatment. However, this is not always the case. Many cases of sciatica require medical intervention in order to relieve the symptoms and, in some cases, prevent further damage. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your lower back, hips, or legs, it is best to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Q. What are the 4 types of sciatica?
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
- Traumatic sciatica
Q. What symptoms of 4 types of sciatica pain?
- Radiculopathy: This type of sciatica is caused by a compressed nerve in the lower spine. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, buttocks, and lower back.
- Piriformis Syndrome: This type of sciatica is may be because of the piriformis muscle pressing against the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, buttocks, and lower back.
- Spinal Stenosis: This type of sciatica is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs.
- Disc Herniation: This type of sciatica is due to a herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs, buttocks, and lower back.
Q. What causes sciatica buttock pain?
Sciatica buttock pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg. Common causes of sciatica include a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, injury to the spine, piriformis syndrome, and pregnancy.
Q. What is the fastest way to cure sciatica?
The fastest way to cure sciatica is to seek medical attention from a doctor. Treatment for sciatica may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and other medications. Surgery may also be recommended in severe cases. Stretching, exercise, and yoga may also help to reduce the symptoms of sciatica.
Q. Can I get rid of sciatica on my own?
Yes, there are numerous treatments for sciatica that you can do on your own. These include stretching exercises, over-the-counter pain medications, ice or heat therapy, topical ointments, massage, and Chiropractic care. If your pain persists, however, it is best to consult a health care professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Q. What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Through the use of manual therapy, chiropractors help patients to restore, maintain, and optimize their health. This involves the use of spinal manipulation and other techniques to adjust the musculoskeletal structure of the body in order to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall health.
Q. How long does sciatica take to go away?
The length of time it takes for sciatica to go away varies from person to person. In some cases, it may take only a few days or weeks for the pain to subside, while in more severe cases, it could take months or even years for symptoms to completely resolve. Treatment is recommended to help speed up the healing process and alleviate discomfort.
Q. How to get rid of sciatica pain in buttocks?
- Apply ice or heat: Applying an icepack or heat pack to your buttocks can help reduce the pain from sciatica.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles and reduce tension on your sciatic nerve. Exercises such as walking, swimming and yoga can be beneficial.
- Stretch: Stretching your lower back, hips and legs can help relieve tension on your sciatic nerve and reduce pain.
- Massage: Massaging your buttocks can help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the area, which can help reduce sciatica pain.
- Use a lumbar support pillow: A lumbar support pillow can provide extra support to your lower back and help reduce sciatica pain.
- Try OTC pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Try alternative therapies. Acupuncture and chiropractic care can help relieve sciatica pain.
- See a doctor. If your pain is severe or persists, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Q. What is one movement for instant sciatica pain relief?
One movement that may provide some relief from sciatica is stretching the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located deep in the buttocks, and when it is tight, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica pain. To stretch the piriformis, lie on the back with the affected side facing up, then bring the knee towards the chest and cross it over the body, placing the ankle on the opposite thigh. Gently press down on the bent knee, feeling the stretch in the buttocks. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat several times a day.