Sciatica Relief: Five All-Natural Treatment Options

Treating Sciatica Naturally

Are you one of the many thousands of people that have sciatica? Sciatica is a condition in which pressure or irritation is placed along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down the backside of both legs and into the feet. 90% of the time sciatica is caused by a herniated disc putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, weakness or tingling. If you have sciatica, try one of the following natural treatments to find relief:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments – Adjustments are able to normalize imbalances in the spine and thus release pressure off a nerve root causing sciatica. Typically more than one adjustment is necessary to stabilize the symptoms of sciatica, but many find considerable relief after the first adjustment alone.

 2. Acupuncture – Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that works to balance the body’s energy (called your chi). By balancing your chi, it makes the body stronger so that it can heal itself. Sciatica is the most common condition that acupuncturists treat. Research has shown that it is over 80% successful with cases of sciatica.

 3. Physical Therapy – A physical therapist can employ one of a multitude of modalities in order to reduce the symptoms of sciatica. They can use therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation and swelling. Exercises can be prescribed to release strain around the affected nerves. And they can even implement axial decompression therapy in which computerized equipment distracts or lengthens the spine.  This creates a negative pressure that draws a herniated or bulging disc back in and off the sciatic nerve.

 4. Ice packs – Many find considerable relief from using ice to the area of the back involved with sciatica. Ice works to reduce inflammation and swelling thus providing relief. Apply ice to the designated area for 15 minutes every 2-3 hours as needed.

5. Bromelain – Bromelain is an all natural extract from pineapples. Taken with meals, it acts as a digestive aid. But taken outside of meals, it acts an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain helps reduce swelling surrounding the pinched sciatic nerve thus reducing the pain associated with sciatica.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sciatica, we may

be able to help you at Health Quest through chiropractic, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture or family medicine. Call us today to schedule an evaluation at 573-635-9655.

Yours in health,

Dr. Ted Tang D.C.