3 Ways to Naturally Treat Your Sciatica
If you suffer from sciatica, then you are most likely aware of what a painful and frustrating road it can be trying to find relief. Caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back, sciatica causes radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, which travels from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and into your each leg. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, "The pain [caused by sciatica] can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.
Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. It may be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected". Given how sciatic pain can affect your day-to-day life, it's important for those affected by it to find effective treatments. Here are a few of them:
Yoga
Research printed in the journal Pain indicated that, in people who suffered from sciatic pain, almost all of them saw a reduction in their pain levels by as much as 64% when they practiced Iyengar yoga for at least 16 weeks. While it remains unclear as to how yoga can potentially help to relieve pain associated with sciatica, it is thought that the improvement in flexibility helps to take pressure off of the sciatic nerve.
Hot and Cold
The sciatic nerve is hidden deep in the buttocks and legs and, therefore, any inflammation around the area won't respond to ice or heat. However, ice can help with natural pain management because it decreases blood flow to the area, and it also numbs the area somewhat. Experts recommend that you apply an ice pack for increments of 15 minutes as needed for relief.
Chiropractic Care
A recent study showed that 60 percent of people who suffered from sciatic pain and couldn't find any sort of relief from other treatment found significant relief from regular spinal of manipulation with a chiropractic practitioner. In fact, the pain relief that these patients found from chiropractic care was comparable with that that patients who received surgery did. study researcher Gordon McMorland, DC, of National Spine Care in Calgary, Alberta says, "spinal manipulation may create a response in the nervous system that relieves pain and restores normal mobility to the injured area". If you are looking for quality chiropractic care, consider stopping into The Joint for a consultation. With a knowledgeable staff, affordable prices, and convenient walk-in hours, they can help you with all of your chiropractic needs!