Have you ever woken up and experienced terrible pain from your upper thighs to your feet? Or the annoying lower back pain that doesn’t go away no matter what you try?
This could indicate that you suffer from sciatic nerve pain, known as sciatica, which causes pain in your extremities and lower back.
A slipped or herniated disc is considered the main cause of sciatica.
However, there are other factors that can cause this condition, including spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, pregnancy, isthmic spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, spinal injury or infection.
Today, many methods are used to treat sciatica, but most of them provide short-term relief.
But luckily, there are some natural therapies and home remedies that can help you reduce the pressure and inflammation on the irritated sciatic nerve. Usually the problem clears up in 6 weeks.
Here are 10 home remedies for sciatic nerve pain
1. Massage
In addition to its ability to relieve sciatica pain, massage therapy can help your body heal itself, especially if a muscle spasm is the cause of the problem. We recommend that you use St. John’s wort oil to massage the sore areas 2-3 times a day until you see some improvement.
Or you can also prepare a mixture of 3 tablespoons of ground nutmeg and 1 cup of sesame oil. Heat this mixture and then let it cool for a while. Apply this mixture a couple of times throughout the day, for a few weeks.
Consider getting a trigger point massage at least once a day because pain in the lower back, thighs and buttocks in most cases is related to the points of the gluteus minimus and medius muscles.
2. Hot or cold compresses
Hot or cold compresses can ease the pain and inflammation of sciatica.
The cold compress relieves pain and reduces swelling around the nerve, while the hot compress can relax the tight muscles that are responsible for pressing on the sciatic nerve.
However, you can combine the hot and cold compress. It should start with the hot treatment and end with the cold. Make sure to use a steamed towel for the hot treatment to make it more effective.
Put a hot or cold compress on the painful area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. You should repeat this procedure every two hours until you notice that your pain is relieved.
Note: It is recommended that people with circulatory problems do not use cold compresses.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric can be used in the treatment of sciatica due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin, which is the active compound in turmeric, can significantly reduce nerve pain and inflammation.
You should boil 1 cup of milk along with 1 teaspoon of turmeric and a small stick of cinnamon (optional). To improve its taste, you can add a little honey. Consume this amazing drink 1-2 times a day until you see some improvement.
However, you can also take turmeric supplements, 250-300 milligrams 3 times a day, for a couple of weeks. But, before deciding to take them, be sure to consult your doctor.
Note: Turmeric is not recommended for people taking diabetes medications and blood thinners, and for those who suffer from gallstones.
4. Capsaicin cream
Capsaicin is the active compound in cayenne pepper. It is considered a great natural pain reliever.
You should apply a cream or ointment with 0.025% -0.075% capsaicin to the painful area for 1 week, more than 4 times a day.
Note: It is very important not to apply capsaicin cream or ointment on broken skin as it can cause a burning sensation.
5. Exercises
Regular exercise is essential to treat sciatica. You should start an exercise routine to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles one to two days after your sciatica flare. This way, you can speed up the recovery process.
The knee-to-chest stretch is considered extremely effective. It can reduce sciatic nerve irritation and improve lower back flexibility.
You should lie on your back on the floor with your legs hip-width apart. You should bend your knees up and relax your upper body as you breathe in. Pull your thigh toward your chest, with your hands crossed behind it, as far as you can. Keep your leg flat on the floor.
Hold this position for 20 seconds and be sure to breathe deeply while holding. Then carefully lower your leg. You must repeat the same procedure with the other leg. Repeat this 3-5 times and then do the exercise with both legs for 3-5 minutes.
