Sciatica is indicative of lower back pain that travels down one buttock and leg, oftentimes beginning suddenly, shortly after an awkward, twisting movement or heavy lifting – or from prolonged activity such as driving very long distances in the car with constant pressure on the gas pedal. The pain can become excruciating and moving around or sitting down becomes very difficult. At times, bending over, coughing or sneezing can further aggravate the pain. If numbness occurs or muscle coordination is affected, the problem is serious and needs immediate attention.
In our senior public, a slightly different type of sciatica is more common. The onset is slower and the pain more constant and nagging. Walking downhill causes the most difficulty, while sitting and resting bring relief.
Cause and Triggers
Sciatica is an irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, usually resulting from compression. This results from muscle strain or spasm, or a slipped disk, which can cause serious problems. The most common cause is the improper lifting of heavy boxes, especially if the back and stomach muscles are weak, or the driving example previously mentioned.
In our aging population, sciatica is more likely to be the result of collapsing vertebrae, which continually irritate the nerve. The collapse is often due to poor muscle support. Conditions like arthritis increase the risk of sciatica. A chill or physical overexertion will also trigger this condition. A susceptibility to neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve, is caused by internal problems, such as viral infections, toxins or B-vitamin deficiency.
Nutrition Suggestions to Promote Nerve Health
Eat plenty of enzyme-rich, fresh green vegetables. Together with whole grains, they are a good source of B complex vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are essential for healthy nerve function. Other good sources of calcium and magnesium are sea vegetables, tofu and fish. Eat one or more apples a day to provide calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Nutritional Supplements for Nerve Support
Supplementary support for the nerves speeds the healing of sciatica. B vitamins are essential; sublingual tablets are recommended. Calcium and magnesium are helpful against spasms which often contribute to the pain.
For milder cases or chronic recurrences, evening primrose oil is an excellent anti- inflammatory; its essential fatty acids nourish the nerves. Gamma Linolenic Acids (GLA’s) found in Evening Primrose oil are different fatty acids with their own special benefit.
Omega 3 fatty acids are our anti-inflammatory pathway. By taking in marine sourced fats like cod liver oil and salmon oil 3 times a day, pain and inflammation will be significantly reduced. Take as needed, however, at least 1 twice a day should be taken for health maintenance.
Suggested Dosages
• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily
• Vitamin B12, sublingual tablet, 100 mcg
• Calcium, 1,000 mg
• Magnesium, 500 mg twice a day
• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids Marine source: 2000-4000 IU 2 or 3 times per day
• Iodine drops, 5 drops 3 times per day on the tongue or in liquid. Each drop is normally 150 mcg’s
*Note: Be sure to include a protein source when taking all minerals to ensure they get to their designated location in the body. Minerals ride the backs of amino acids.
Herbal Remedies
The intense pain and tension associated with a sciatic attack can be quickly relieved with a number of herbal remedies. Although, I would always suggest taking fish oils to assist any pain remedy and to also help assist in replacing pain medication.
• Rub St. John’s wort oil diluted in a medium of olive oil onto the affected area, especially before going to sleep, to relax the nerves.
• Stinging nettle in a hot bath is a proven remedy for acute sciatica. Soak 4 cups of stinging nettle leaves for twelve hours in cold water. Warm up the liquid; strain and add to bath water. The person’s chest should remain out of the water. Soak for twenty minutes, do not dry off, but put on a cotton-terry robe and sweat in bed for one hour.
• Chamomile has a calming and healing effect on smooth muscle tissue. Apply directly onto skin or take internally as tea or 10—20 drops of extract in a cup of liquid daily.
• Horsetail builds connective tissue. Take tea or extract as directed for chamomile.
• For tension due to emotional stress take borage, Sr. John’s wort, lemon balm or valerian tea three times daily for their claming properties. If you have a juicer, 1 tbsp. of horsetail, yarrow, and borage or celery juice daily is an excellent way of supporting the adrenal glands and soothing the nerves.
• Hot, moist packs help relieve the pain and increase blood circulation. Apply chamomile, horsetail, hayflower, or white or black mustard seed. A mustard seed pack should not be lift on for more than ten minutes because it can irritate the skin. You may prefer to apply a flax seed pack. Put crushed seeds into a small a cotton sack and dip for ten minutes into hot water before applying.
• Garlic milk helps reduce inflammation in the case of a bad sciatica attack. Crush two raw garlic cloves and mix the pulp with 1/4 cup of milk. Bring this to the boiling point if you feel the raw garlic flavour is too strong, but raw garlic is the most effective. Drink ½ cup daily.
Homeopathy
When using homeopathic remedies, avoid applying heating ointments that contain camphor, as it neutralizes the effect of homeopathics. Choose one of the remedies below in 6c-12c strength, dissolving 2 tablets under the tongue three times daily for up to two weeks.
Colocynthis is useful for unbearable cramping pains that radiate down the leg. There is
occasional numbness and lying very still on the painful side is the only manageable position. Hard pressure and warmth feel helpful, though the heat of the bed often feels uncomfortable.
Rhus tox is often useful when the muscles are stiff and painful, particularly when getting up to move. Once up and moving about, the stiffness and pain are bearable, only to return while resting. Heat is helpful. Getting cold and wet or overuse of the leg aggravates the condition.
Bryonia helps when the least movement hurts. Unfortunately the pain is so bad that keeping still may be nearly impossible. Lying on the painful side immobilizes the area and brings relief.
Arsenicum should be considered for older people with terrible, burning sciatic pain that returns each night. Nervous restlessness is common. Heat brings relief.
Copyright © 2020 – All Rights Reserved – Michelle Honda Ph.D.
Announcement
Look for my new forthcoming books “Reverse Depression Naturally” (Spring 2020) “Reverse Inflammation Naturally” (May 31, 2017) “Reverse Thyroid Diseases Naturally” (June 2018) “Reverse Alzheimers/Dementia Naturally” (Nov.2018) “Reverse Heart Disease Naturally” (Jan.31, 2017) and “Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally Nov. 2016
Where to Purchase:
Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally Nov. 2016
Reverse Heart Disease Naturally Jan. 2017
Reverse Inflammation Naturally May 2017
Reverse Thyroid Disease Naturally June 28/2018
Reverse Alzheimers Disease Naturally Nov. 2018
Reverse Depression Naturally Spring 2020
Hatherleigh Press Page Buy Book RGDN
Local Book Stores in US and Canada
Disclaimer
While close attention was given to the accuracy of information in this article, the author accepts neither responsibility nor liability to any person with respect to injury, damage, loss or any circumstances involving alleged causes directly or indirectly related to the information in this article. The sole purpose is to educate and broaden ones awareness. This information is not meant to replace medical advice or services provided by a health care professional.
Recommend to a Friend
Follow Us!