Sciatica is a very specific condition that occurs due to inflammation in the sciatic nerve. It’s the longest nerve in our bodies, stretching from the lower back all the way down the legs. Sciatica is a very irritating condition that can cause more than just pain. It’s hard to treat as well, with painkillers often unable to stop the sharp pain.
While some stretches can help initially, there are many natural remedies that can treat the problem in its core. If you want to relieve your sciatic pain, we have compiled a list of the top remedies that can help.
What’s the Biggest Cause of Sciatica?
As mentioned earlier, inflammation in the sciatic nerve is the most common reason for sciatica. That usually occurs due to pressure on the lumbar discs. Other underlying issues that can cause sciatica include:
- Spine-related infections
- Internal bleeding
- Degeneration of the spine
- Bad posture
- Disc hernia
- Malignant growth
Sciatica also occurs due to leading a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, genetics, obesity, and poor work ergonomics. Whatever the reason is, it’s one of the most painful conditions that people can’t wait to relieve. Painkillers rarely work, and even when they do, they’re only a temporary measure.
The good news is that there are many homemade remedies for sciatica that can relieve the pain easily.
DIY Sciatica Remedies and Treatments
Garlic Milk
Crush 10 garlic cloves and add them to a cup of water and 300 ml. milk. Let the mixture boil and leave it to cool down. Drink this warm with some honey twice a day and it’ll reduce inflammation in your sciatic nerve and deal with the pain.
Hot and Cold Compresses
Alternating hot and cold compresses on the painful area is one of the simplest treatments for sciatica. It won’t get rid of the problem, but it’ll reduce the pain significantly. Dip a towel or cloth in hot or cold water and apply it to the painful area. You can use this up to 4 times per day.
Essential Oils
Rubbing essential oils that can warm up the affected area such as ginger and peppermint oil is a good way to deal with sciatica pain. Make sure to always dilute your carrier oil of choice with a bit of water. Massage the are with ginger or peppermint oil a couple of times per day and it’ll relieve your sciatic pain.
Consuming Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory food thanks to the present of curcumin. Adding it into your diet will relieve the pain in your back and legs. You can also make a paste of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and massage the painful area a few times every day.
Celery Juice
Celery is rich in water and has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking 250 ml. of celery juice every day can prevent inflammation on the sciatic nerve and sciatica too. Just blend some celery and drink the juice twice a day.
Vitamin Supplements
Adding vitamin supplements such as D3 and B12 can also prevent inflammation. You can also consume them naturally via foods such as leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and fish.
Valerian Root
Add a teaspoon of Valerian root powder to a cup of water and drink this mix 3 times per day. Valerian root can soothe inflammation and prevent sciatica.
Aloe Vera
Rubbing fresh Aloe gel on the painful spots is also a great treatment for sciatic with no side effects. Do it a few times per day and massage the gel in nicely to treat sciatica.
Other Ways to Prevent Sciatica
If you want to get rid of the inflammation and pain, you should make sure you have good posture when sitting or lying down. Regular stretching and exercise can help too. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and your job doesn’t allow much movement, make sure to exercise regularly.
When nothing else helps, painkillers will. Massages are known to relieve sciatica pain temporarily. But before all of that, we strongly advice trying the aforementioned remedies and treatments.
