Sciatica is very painful and is commonly caused by a trapped nerve, but can also be caused by a slipped or bulging disc, abscess or inflammation. It is best to see a qualified osteopath, chiropractor as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are dietary changes and certain remedies and therapies that help reduce inflammation and pain.
A good hi-potency multinutrient formula taken daily is useful to assist in correcting dietary deficiencies caused by a poor or restricted diet. Other supplements may help:
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To assist nerve function. 1-2 tablets per day |
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Acts as an anti-inflammatory. 1-2 capsules with each meal |
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2,000G.D.U 3 to 4 times per day, |
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500mg 3 to 4 times per day to help you cope with pain |
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100mg to 500mg per day to reduce spasms |
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400-500mg per day. Acts as an anti-inflammatory |
Other supplements, which might bring relief include:
Fish-oil / Cod Liver Oil - (anti-inflammatory), Vitamin C
(tissue healing)
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500mg 3 times per day, to help reduce spasms |
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500mg 3 times per day |
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1,000mg to 2,000mg per day |
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500mg to 2,000mg per day |
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1,000mg to 2,000mg per day |
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200mg to 500mg per day |
Other herbs that could help:
Birch, evening primrose oil, Flaxseed oil, Meadowsweet, Poplar, Valerian (to reduce spasm and pain)
Topical Herbal Preparations include:
Homoeopaths often use the following remedies to treat this condition, but is best to consult a professional to assess your individual needs. A topical application of Arnica cream or Balm may give some relief.
Can be enormously relieving and there are several oils which can soothe pain. Use them, properly diluted in a foot bath if your legs are affected, in an ordinary bath or added to a carrier oil for massage. But don't massage any oils into areas which are inflamed or where skin is broken.
Also eat more oily Fish for the anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and refined sugars as they deplete the body of key nutrients, which help the body to cope with pain.
To help reduce immediate pain and muscle spasm, wrap some ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and place on the painful area for 10 minutes every hour. You can also use a hot water bottle placed in a towel.
Cabbage poultices. This old country remedy really does work. Take two or three outside leaves from a dark green cabbage, bruise them with a wooden spoon, warm in a microwave, steamer, oven or on a hot radiator. When they're still warm, but cool enough to handle, put them on the painful joints and hold in place with a tea towel or large bandage. Bran and mustard poultices can also help
Massage and Aromatherapy combined with very gentle osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation can also be helpful in sciatica
Bowen Technique, Yoga and Acupuncture are also very useful.
Regular exercise and proper lifting techniques are crucial to prevention and treatment of all back problems.
If you are already taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it is important to know that some may cause you to loose certain nutrients. A general multivitamin and mineral supplement will help to offset these loses.
It may be useful to take either DGL Liquorice to help protect stomach lining from the damaging effects of certain types of these drugs, especially aspirin. slippery elm or marshmallow is also protective to the digestive system.
The herbs, Milk thistle and Artichoke will also protect the liver from the burden of certain medicines, in particular, the painkiller, paracetamol.
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