Sciatica Remedies

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The term "sciatica"defines a more or less intense pain that travels along the sciatic nerve and its branches, ie at the level of the back, legs and buttocks. sciatica to indicate inflammation of the nerve itself.

There are numerous variants of sciatica, distinguished on the basis of the causative agent. All forms of sciatica are accumulated by pain, the intensity of which depends on the triggering cause. The origin of sciatica is mainly linked to: herniated disc, assuming an incorrect posture for a long time, narrowing of the foraminal and spinal canal, sedentary lifestyle, spondylolisthesis, spinal tumors and piriformis syndrome. Some predisposing factors for sciatica have been identified. These include: arthritis, diabetes, old age, pregnancy, spinal infections, osteoporosis and trauma to the legs.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to advice, suggestions and general remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Sciatica; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.

Taking pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs is one of the most effective remedies for relieving sciatic pain

To relieve trauma-dependent sciatica, cold compresses are recommended at the painful point. Cryotherapy is particularly suitable for creating a sort of analgesia on the site affected by the pain

After 2-3 days from the onset of symptoms, replace the cold packs with warm packs. In some cases, the alternation of hot-cold can provide greater relief

Always assume and maintain correct posture. This remedy can relieve or prevent sciatica-induced pain

Undergo targeted physiotherapy massages to relieve pain in the sciatic nerve

Regularly perform specific exercises to relieve sciatic pain. It is recommended to practice gymnastics daily and slowly, avoiding fast movements and sudden jerks that could exacerbate the problem

Prefer physical activity such as the stationary bike. As soon as the symptoms improve, it is recommended to focus on aerobics combined with targeted stretching exercises

Avoid cold shocks and drafts as much as possible

Follow a low-calorie diet in case of obesity and overweight, possible triggers of sciatica

If sciatic pain persists even after drug and physiotherapy therapy, it is advisable to seek the advice of a neurologist.

Follow a targeted rehabilitation therapy aimed at correcting posture, supporting the back and improving the flexibility of the spine

Stretch the piriformis muscle

and muscles, already weakened by themselves. Rather, take a restful position for 30 minutes; then we recommend a walk or a light physiotherapy exercise, specific for sciatica

Apply ice directly to the skin of the leg / buttock: this attitude could create cold burns. Instead, it is preferable to apply an ice pack wrapped on a cotton cloth to the area

Long-term inactivity can aggravate sciatic pain

Undertake a new "do-it-yourself" sports training: if performed incorrectly and undisciplined, power sports - such as bodybuilding - can be very harmful

Stress. Trying to avoid stress is a good remedy for relieving sciatica, as tensions are also felt in the joints and nerves.

Timing: when a "herniated disc" is suspected, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention to start any conservative treatment as soon as possible

Perform sciatic pain exercises quickly and with sudden movements: such behavior can even aggravate sciatica

Lifting heavy loads on the occasion of sciatic pain

Engaging in power sports (e.g. weight lifting), which may aggravate sciatic pain

Abusing NSAIDs or other pain relievers

Sedentary lifestyle. Jobs that require sitting for many hours and a sedentary lifestyle can promote sciatica or accentuate pain

Excessive twisting or arching of the back

(especially fruits and vegetables rich in magnesium) to prevent sciatica caused by osteoarthritis

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)

Broths, tripe and boiled meats (sources of collagen) to improve sciatica dependent on arthrosis

, balanced, rich in fruit, vegetables and low in fat. Let us briefly remember that an "unregulated diet can promote overweight and obesity, elements predisposing sciatica with rubefacient action it can temporarily relieve the pain caused by sciatica. For this purpose, these natural products are particularly suitable:

Chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) → rubefacient, antibacterial, analgesic properties
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) → rubefacient properties
Arnica (Arnica montana L) → anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, revulsive, analgesic properties

Herbal medicine also offers other natural products, useful for relieving sciatic pain:

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) → if applied to the skin (in the form of compresses), it can be a mild anti-neuralgic and anti-inflammatory remedy
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) → has modest antineuralgic properties
Willow (Salix alba) → is used to remedy sciatica thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-neuralgic properties
Pulsatilla (Pulsatilla vulgaris And pratensis) → exerts anti-neuralgic properties. The use of this plant as a remedy for sciatica is rather obsolete

Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Moment, Subitene)
Acetylsalicylic acid (eg. Aspirin, salicin, Vivin C, Ascriptin)
Naproxene (Aleve, Naprosyn, Prexan, Naprius)
Diclofenac (eg Voltaren)
Indomethacin (eg. Difmetre, Indom, Liometacen)

Muscle relaxants. Excellent remedy to soothe the muscle spasms generated by sciatica:

Diazepam (Micropam, Ansiolin, Diazepam FN, Valpinax)
Cyclobenzaprine (eg Flexiban)

Corticosteroid drugs. They exert a powerful anti-inflammatory activity:

Prednisone (eg. Deltacortene, Lodotra)
Methylprednisolone (e.g., Solu-medrol, Depo-medrol, Medrol, Urbason)

Opioid pain relievers: when the pain is too intense. They are taken orally.

Hydrocodone: for example Vicodin (not sold in Italy).

qualified, in order to prevent any muscle tears or injuries, responsible for sciatica it is sufficient to relieve mild or moderate sciatica

In case of severe sciatica pain, for example due to herniated discs, it is necessary to proceed with a targeted surgical intervention. Discectomy is, in this sense, the best therapeutic option. The procedure consists of removing the herniated disc and then replacing it with:

A small bone fragment (usually extracted from the pelvis of the patient himself), which leads to the fusion of the two vertebral bodies to which it is interposed
An artificial disc prosthesis that replaces the diseased disc while preserving - as far as possible - the movement and function of the spine

Alternative therapies to relieve sciatica: