Sciatica Natural Treatment - Remedies For Pain in the Sciatic Nerve

The term Sciatica is the word commonly used to refer to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg caused by compression or an injury to the sciatic nerve, located in the back of the leg. People who suffer from severe Sciatica definitely know the meaning of the word "pain".

Sciatica pain can vary widely, ranging from a mild tingling or burning sensation to severe discomfort resulting in the inability to move. Some of the causes of Sciatica include pelvic injuries, degenerative discs, slipped discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or even pregnancy.

Pain from Sciatica often starts out slowly and gets worse after standing or sitting for long periods of time. For most people, the pain is on one side or the other and can extend from the hip to the sole of the foot. The affected leg may also feel weak.

Treatment options for Sciatica can range from mild physical therapy exercises to injections around the nerve. Steroids are also commonly used to treat nerve inflammation related to herniated discs (usually only providing temporary relief).

Millions of people suffer from Sciatica in one degree or another, and many of them spend thousands upon thousands of dollars each year on treatments that do not even offer permanent relief, such as steroid injections. Even though there are all natural solutions available for Sciatica that do not require the use of synthetic drugs or surgery.

People with this condition should continue to stay active, as becoming more and more sendentary will only make the back pain worse. Gentle stretching exercises such as yoga could be of great benefit. In addition, hanging upside down on an inversion table can do wonders to help stretch out the spine and reverse gravity. Just remember, having sciatica does not mean that surgery and streroids are inevitable. There are always natural steps you can take to ease the condition.

By M. A. Rose

How to Treat Sciatica Naturally - 8 Tips to Natural Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Pain

There are ways to treat sciatica naturally, but in order to understand them, you need to understand the very nature of sciatica itself.
The term sciatica refers to numbness, pain, tingling or weakness felt in the legs (usually in just one) and is caused by compression or injury to the sciatic nerve. Sensations usually start slowly and may get worse during the following instances:

• at night
• after sitting or standing
• when laughing
• coughing or sneezing
• when bending backwards
• walking a longer distance

Symptoms can also be felt on the calves and soles of the feet. These symptoms are related to another medical issue and are not a condition all on their own. The pain from sciatica can widely vary and can be so intense to cause someone not to be able to move. Sciatica occurs typically as a result of:

• herniation of the spinal disc
• sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• spinal stenosis
• Piriformis syndrome
• pregnancy

Because sciatica is a result of being a symptom of another condition, it should be treated after the underlying cause has been identified. Conservative treatment is normally most effective.
Drugs can be toxic for the body, even if prescribed, especially once the body gets adjusted to them. Usually the moment medication is stopped, the pain returns.
The following are ways to treat sciatica naturally that are safe, fast, effective and can be performed at home to reduce symptoms and inflammation:

1. Apply ice or heat to the sore area. Begin treating with ice for 48-72 hours and then switch to heat.
2. Take pain relievers that are over-the-counter, such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin IB
3. When sleeping, lay in a curled-up position with a pillow between the legs. If you lay on your back, place a rolled towel or pillow underneath the knees.
4. Drink plenty of fresh vegetable juice that is made from carrots, celery and potatoes. Both celery and potatoes are natural medicines used to relieve pain. The carrots make it more palatable.
5. Relax the sciatic nerve with a poultice made of fresh minced horseradish. Leave this mixture on the area for a least an hour, two or three times a day.
6. Use a hot water on the affected area. This will increase sleep quality and relax muscles and nerves. The body's natural heat will keep the bottle warm throughout the night.
7. Stretch every day. Pilates, yoga, massage and Tai Chi are ways to treat and prevent sciatica.
8. Swim. Swimming naturally relieves the pressure that is placed on the sciatic nerve. Keeping the body fit and flexible treats and prevents sciatica.

In following the eight steps above, you can be well on your way to treat sciatica naturally, giving yourself the freedom to do all you want and need -- without being a slave to the excruciating sciatic nerve pain commonly associated with it.

By Dr. Tom Kilpratt

Treat Postherpetic Neuralgia With Natural Remedies And Avoid Pharmaceutical Side Effects

Why on earth would you take a drug with the following side effects?
Dizziness, sleepiness, eyesight problems, blurry vision, weight gain, swelling of hands and feet, unexplained muscle pain, soreness or weakness along with fever or tired feeling; skin sores, trouble concentrating and dry mouth.
It is hard to imagine a pain so bad that you would trade it for a series of side effects that are not just possible but are likely. The answer is nerve pain. In a magazine advertisement seven of these side effects were described as common for a pharmaceutical drug used as a treatment for Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) which is a nerve pain that lingers after a bout of shingles.
Postherpetic Neuralgia is described by the Merck Manual as a "constant deep aching or burning, a sharp or intermittent pain or as hypersensitivity to touch or cold. The pain may be debilitating." This lingering nerve pain is more likely to occur in the elderly and it often diminishes in time.
Here are some natural alternatives to try before submitting yourself to the toxic side effects of a manufactured pharmaceutical.
Red chilli peppers contain two compounds called salicylates and capsaicin. Both of these chemicals are capable of providing pain relief. Salicylates are aspirin-like compounds that have been used for over 100 years to treat inflammation and pain. Capsaicin is a compound that encourages the production endorphins, the body's own pain killers. So try consuming more chilli pepper in your diet.
Capsaicin is also used in creams such as Zostrix or Capzasin-P. When applied to the skin capsaicin creams inhibit the transmission of pain by depleting your nerves of a chemical called "substance-P". These creams are available over the counter and can counteract Postherpetic Neuralgia.
Willow bark, another aspirin-like herb also contains salicin or related salicylates. Use Willow Bark to make a tea. You will need to experiment with the strenth of this tea until you get effective pain relief.
The herbs peppermint and rosemary along with the spice ginger contain compounds that reduce pain. Ginger and the related root turmeric also act to reduce inflammation that causes pain. You can combine peppermint, rosemary, ginger and willow bark to make a pain-relieving tea or drink these teas individually. You can also use such teas as a poultice to apply directly to painful areas.
To be effective as a treatment for inflammation, turmeric must be consumed in larger quantities. As much as 10 grams of ground turmeric may be required. In parts of Asia, turmeric juice mixed with honey is consumed as a daily health tonic and current research indicates that its anti-inflammatory properties may be responsible for the low incident of Alzheimer's disease in India. This author regularly blends a thumb size piece of fresh turmeric root with enough spring water and the juice of a lemon to make one to two 8-ounce glasses of an effective migraine remedy. This is a strong tasting tonic and it may require a touch honey or agave nectar to make it palatable.
The sedative herb passionflower consumed as a tea can also help with Postherpetic Neuralgia.
Lavendar, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils are also effective pain killers when applied externally. Essential oils must be mixed with a light vegetable oil before application.
In addition to treating the pain of Postherpetic Neuralgia, one should take care to boost the immune system since it is a weakened immunity that enables the dormant zoster virus to replicate and cause shingles in the first place. After the shingles episode is over and the blisters have healed, Postherpetic Neuralgia may persist because your immune system continues to be depressed. Boost your immune system with vitamin B12, B-Complex, high levels of vitamin C along with bioflavonoids (eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables), and calcium. Herbal supplements to boost immune system include astragalus, echinacea, and fresh ginger tea. Turmeric is also known for boosting the immune system.
As with all medicinal remedies use essential oils, spices and herbs with caution. Start with small amounts to test for allergic reactions. Some herbs, spices and oils are not suitable for use by children or pregnant women. And please consult a trained health practitioner.

By Gigi Gerow