1. Ice Packs
Ice packs, or a simple package of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, can work wonders to provide instant relief for sciatica. Apply the packs directly on the affected area for 20 minutes, every two hours, until the pain is completely gone.
2. Herbs And Oils
Nature provides many herbs that have beneficial effects, and many of them can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. They can be found in capsules, salves, liniments and infused oils. You can also make tea from fresh or dried herbs, or use elixirs, tinctures and essential oils to relieve pain. But, make sure you consult your doctor or a professional herbalist, because some herbs may interfere with medications you may take.
3. Sleep
Last, but not least, try to get enough sleep. In doing so, this will give your nerves and body time to relax, heal and balance. Extra sleep and rest will help rebuild and strengthen your nerves.
4. Hot packs
After two to three days, apply heat to the areas that hurt. Use hot packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting. If you continue to have pain, try alternating warm and cold packs.
5. Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are sometimes helpful for sciatica.
6. Chiropractor Spinal Adjustments
There are different types of ruptured or herniated discs — some that cause more nerve pain than others. Prolapse disc bulges are less severe because the outermost layer of the disc is still intact, but extrusion or sequestration disc bulges are more drastic and usually more painful.
7. Yoga and Stretching
Moving in certain ways can aggravate sciatic pain, but in some cases it can actually help relieve the pain. Some people find that sitting, standing for a long time and moving around abruptly tends to trigger pain. The types of movements that tend to make pain worse involve scrunching or shortening the spine, such as raising the legs up, bringing the knees toward the chests or squatting.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative treatment were hair-fine needles are inserted at specific points of your body. It stimulates energy flow and improves nerve function. Some people get relief after just one session, but for most people it takes a few sessions.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is another effective natural remedy for sciatica because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains a compound called curcumin that helps reduce nerve pain and inflammation.
10. Massage
Massage therapy can relieve sciatica pain and also help the body heal itself, especially if the problem is caused by a muscle spasm. Plus, it helps release tension, stimulate circulation and increase the range of motion.
11. Exercises
In addition to rest, maintaining normal activity is highly beneficial for dealing with sciatica. A day or two after a sciatica flare up, you can start a regular exercise program to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. Strengthening the core muscles helps facilitate quick recovery.
12. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another effective natural treatment to relieve sciatica pain, relax the muscles and help your body heal itself.
Sources:
http://fitlife.tv
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.top10homeremedies.com
http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com
http://www.naturalhealthyteam.com
