Sciatic Nerve Treatment – Some Effective Therapies

Sciatica is defined by pain stemming from compression or inflammation of sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body that begins in the lower back and ends at the lower limb. People with sciatica may experience lower back pain, or tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or lower back.

Sciatic Nerve Treatment – Choosing the Best

Alternative therapies for sciatic nerve treatment include hypnosis, acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage therapy. Chiropractic treatment has yielded mixed outcomes, with some studies indicating that the efficacy of this method lies in its ability to improve spinal function and reduce pain. Acupuncture, a needle-based Chinese therapy, is a government-approved form of sciatic nerve treatment that is believed to work by triggering the release of endorphins, the neurotransmitters responsible for pain relief. In more severe cases of unilateral sciatica, elective surgery is performed. This involves removing herniated disks. Simpler sciatic nerve treatment involves warm or cold compress, raw garlic consumption or juices such as that of potatoes, celery leaves and elderberry.

Sciatic Nerve Exercises – Benefits and Options

Exercises should be done in moderation for patients recovering from sciatic nerve trauma. Such patients should avoid vigorous twisting, bouncing or jerking motions. Walking is one of the highly recommended sciatic nerve exercises to promote blood circulation and irrigation throughout the body. Putting an ice pack or heating pad over the painful area before walking will reduce swelling. Exercise also ensures that fluids constantly lubricate the spinal discs, and nutrients are properly distributed to the abdominal and back muscles. Some sciatic nerve exercises require assistance of professionals such as physiotherapists and certified athletic trainers, who are knowledgeable about the specific types of sciatica.

Sciatic Nerve Stretches – Easing Sciatica

Whether suffering from a simple back pain or more complex symptoms of sciatica, people are encouraged to perform stretching exercises to allow the distressed part of the back to breathe. One way to ease sciatica is to do some stretches in comfortable and loose clothing. Lower back exercises can be done on a soft surface, knees folded and feet planted on the floor. This exercise proceeds with repeatedly bringing the knees to the head in thirty-second intervals. Sciatic nerve stretches may also involve bending and straightening one leg at a time with the leg pointing straight up from the hip while lying down.