Sciatica

What you need to know

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.

Nutritional supplements that could help:

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:

Other supplements, which might bring relief include:

Fish-oil / Cod Liver Oil - (anti-inflammatory), Vitamin C (tissue healing)

Herbs which may help:

Other herbs that could help include:

Birch, evening primrose oil, Flaxseed oil, Meadowsweet, Poplar, Valerian (to reduce spasm and pain)

Topical Herbal Preparations include:

• Comfrey - use as a cream or infused oil

• Cayenne cream (capsaicin)

• Devil's claw gel or Green-lipped mussel gel may be bring relief

• MSM + Boswellia Gel

Homoeopathy

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.

• Arnica

• Byronia

• Rhus toxicodhendron

Aromatherapy

• Black pepper

• Eucalyptus

• ginger

• Juniper

• Lavender

• Marjoram

• Peppermint

• Roman Chamomile

• rosemary

Dietary changes that may be beneficial

You should also be eating more ginger, Pineapples and chilli or vegetable curries flavoured with Turmeric - they all have anti-inflammatory action.

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.

Traditional remedies

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

Other useful advice

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, paracetemol.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.