Sciatica can be debilitating for many people, so it is important to find the best sciatic nerve pain remedies available. In most cases, sciatic nerve pain can be alleviated with exercise, stretching, and mild painkilling medication, though in more severe or recurring cases, other sciatic nerve pain remedies may be in order. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy are all options for sciatic nerve pain remedies that can help in more severe cases. To treat sciatica, one must first determine its cause and treat the cause rather than the symptom. In some cases, sciatica is caused by a more severe problem that should be addressed immediately.
This type of pain occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs the length of the back of each leg and into the lower back, becomes compressed. This compression leads to pain anywhere along the length of the nerve. Sciatica can be caused by tight muscles, an injury, or a herniated disc in the spine; understanding what is causing your pain can help you find the best sciatic nerve pain remedies. If the nerve is being compressed by a tight muscle or group of muscles, for example, a regular routine of stretching and exercise can help alleviate the pain and keep it from recurring. If the pain is caused by a herniated disc in the spine, however, a stretching routine may not be enough to relieve the pain.
A herniated disc in the spine occurs when a spinal disc between vertebrae ruptures, allowing the gel-like contents to put pressure on the sciatic nerve. In many cases, a herniated disc will heal on its own if given enough time to heal, though in very severe cases in which the herniated disc compression is causing neurological issues such as numbness, a loss of feeling, or a loss of limb control, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. This is the last resort of sciatic nerve pain remedies because it can be painful, the recovery time is much longer, and it may not ultimately solve the problem.
Acupuncture and massage therapy may work wonders as sciatic nerve pain remedies for some people. These options are relatively low cost, so if your sciatic nerve pain is persistent despite stretching, exercising, physical therapy, or medications, it may be worth a visit to a qualified and licensed acupuncturist or massage therapist. If the compression on the sciatic nerve is due to muscle issues, these two options may end up relieving your sciatic pain.
