Sciatica: Natural Treaments and Alternative Therapies that Work

Sciatica is the symptoms caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve or one of the 5 nerve roots that become the sciatic nerve. The symptoms include most commonly pain, numbness, tingling, muscle fatigue and trouble moving the legs. Common treatment for sciatica is cortisone shots and pain relievers. This is a guide to some alternative therapies for sciatica such as acupuncture and acupressure. Natural treatments for sciatica such as hayseed and wintergreen are also effective for symptom relief.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but uses pressure applied with the hands and elbows. Often for minor pain acupressure is enough for relief. Acupressure can be provided from a relative or family member. The treatment consists of applying significant pressure to the points along the lower back and buttocks. The pressure should hurt some but not a lot. My mother in law suffers from sciatica and is pleased with the results of acupressure. If acupressure does not work then More stimulation is needed and Acupuncture is a more suitable alternative therapy for sciatic.

Acupuncture is an ancient alternative therapy that uses thin needles to relive pain and other symptoms. The theory of acupuncture is that the body has energy pathways called meridians. These meridians become blocked and the blockage of energy causes pain and other symptoms. As an alternative treatment for sciatica acupuncture has shown good results in pain relief. Acupuncture is most effective in relieving unspecified pain and inflammation.

Natural treatments for sciatica such as Hayseed which is a combination of various grass seeds has shown relief from pain associated with sciatica. This natural treatment is known as Kneipp therapy and according to mothernature.com is approved by the Commission E a group of Herbal Medicine experts appointed by the German counterpart of the US Food and Drug Administration. Kniepp therapy is applied through hot poultices and bath bags.

Chinese angelica is another natural treatment for sciatica. According to mothernature.com in china the Chinese Angelica is injected directly into the sciatica acupuncture points. In the United States it is generally taken orally in the form of a tea or tincture and applied externally to the skin. Chinese Angelica is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese herbal medicine.

Jamaican dogwood is another widely used natural treatment for sciatica. Jamaican dogwood has a mild sedative and pain relieving characteristics which according to altmd and many other herbal medicine sources is very effective in the treatment of sciatic nerve pain. They say 3 doses a day will keep the doctor away. Jamaican dogwood is taken orally.

Oil of wintergreen is another widely used natural treatment of sciatica. The oil of wintergreen has a soothing effect on the body when applied to the affected areas. Oil of wintergreen is toxic if ingested and should be kept away from children.

These alternative therapies and natural treatments for sciatica work just as well if not better as the traditional treatments. The alternative treatments for sciatica do not have the dangerous side effects that pain killers and surgery do. As with any medical condition it is always wise to seek the advice of a medical professional. Good Luck

Sources:

MotherNature.com

AltMd

AmericanChronicle.com