What is Sciatica ?: Treating Sciatica Nerve Damage Naturally with Home Remedies

Sciatica is a condition that is typified by pain in the leg, numbness, tingling or weakness which commences in the lumbo-sacral portion of the back and radiates downwards to the buttocks, back of the thigh, calves and heels. The symptoms of sciatica develop when the sciatic nerve gets impinged or compressed. Certain food prescriptions and home remedies can effectively treat sciatica.

Sciatica develops when the sciatic nerve gets irritated or inflamed or impinged. The sciatic nerve is the biggest single nerve in the body that consists of individual nerve roots branching out from the spine in the lower back and then uniting to form the nerve.

The sciatic nerve originates at the L3 segment of the spine and then runs from the lower back, down the posterior aspect of each leg. It innervates the buttocks, thighs, calves, feet, and heels. There are certain factors that can lead to increased pressure on the sciatic nerve that can lead to pinching of the nerve or cause nerve damage.

Sciatica is condition which is characterized by pinching or damage to the sciatic nerve

Incidence of sciatica increases with advancing age. The probability of developing the condition peaks at 50 years and then tends to decline.

1. Lumbar herniated disc: when the disc prolapses or herniates, it irritates the sciatic nerve. Trauma or sudden bending or turning sets off herniation of the disc and as a result sciatica.
2. Lumbar spinal stenosis: the spinal canal may constrict due to a number of reasons; and the narraowing may cause sciatica – by and large, this is associated with aging and is rather common in people of 60 years.
3. Degenerative disc diseases: because of the process of aging triggers sciatic pain.
4. Muscle pain: muscle inflammation exerts pressure on the nerve root causing sciatica.
5. Infection: lower back infection affects the nerve root; thereby, triggering sciatica.

Sciatica nerve damage is associated with certain symptoms, which are often considered indicative of the ailment. These symptoms include,

• Pain and discomfort in the lower back; with pain going downwards along the leg.Pain may be mild, gradually increasing; or sever and agonizing from the beginning.
• Tingling and numbness espeically affecting the lower extermities below the knee joint
• Weakness in the leg which may often be manifested in the from of frequent falls or ankle twist injuries.
• Difficulty in standing up, sitting or walking can also be indicative of sciatica back pain.

The diagnosis of the condition is often based on a X ray Scan or an MRI scan which indicates the exact location, cause and severity of the sciatica nerve damage.

There are certain home remedies and natural treatment modalities that can help in the prompt management of the condition,

1. Heat therapy: Provides short-term relief from the lower back pain. Heat promotes blood circulation in the area which in turn helps in relaxing the muscles. As the muscles relax, the pressure on the nerve is slightly released and this in turn promotes mobility.
2. Physiotherapy: Offers enormous respite as well. Physical therapy will decrease pain and discomfort, enhance circulation of blood and greatly improve the range of motion. Specific exercises will be customized by your therapist to deal with the underlying cause.
3. Aromatherapy is also known to be exceedingly beneficial for sciatica symptoms. Essential oils help allay inflammation and swelling significantly, diminish pain and stiffness in the muscles and thereby ease movements to a very great extent. Some of the recommended essential oils for lower back pain include ginger and lavendar essential oils.
4. An effective home remedy for sciatica is ginger. Ginger is loaded with gingerols, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents; that decrease inflammation almost instantaneously and eliminate all pain. Boil grated ginger in a glass of water and consume once daily at least for 15 days.

In addition to simple home remedies, there are several alternative therapy options that can help in the management of the condition,

1. Increase the intake of Vitamin B complex supplements, espeically vitamin b12 to improve the nerve health and prevent symptoms associated with neuropathies.
2. Increase the consumption of magnesium supplements. Magnesium helps in releaving muscle cramps and contractions and can thereby alleviate pain.
3. Homeopathic medicines like Bryonia Alba and Rhus Tox are also considered useful for a wide range of locomoter disorders.