10 Natural Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Options From A Chiropractor

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Every single movement you make with chronic sciatica can be excruciating. You think twice before grabbing a coffee or even going to the bathroom.

You’re wondering if this is going to be forever.

The good news is that it does not have to be. Back pain, even severe back pain, can be controlled with meds, or with natural approaches. Here are some of the methods we recommend to patients that we meet at our Denver, CO office.

10 Natural Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Options From A Chiropractor

Chiropractic Care for Sciatica

Chiropractors can treat sciatic pain and seeing one on a regular basis is highly recommended if you’re dealing with sciatica. This is especially true If you’re experiencing severe lower back and leg pains but have not yet identified it’s underlying cause. Chiropractic treatment can restore the structural integrity of the spine, reduce pressure on the sensitive neurological tissue, and improve your overall health. Spinal manipulations can help correct fixations in the body that cause pain.

Acupuncture

An acupuncture treatment is the insertion of extremely thin stainless steel needles into the precise acupoints on the body based on the pattern of imbalance the practitioner determines. If you are looking for a safe and natural form of pain relief for your back pain, acupuncture has had a positive impact on patients with sciatica. It works by stimulating the body to release natural painkillers and endorphins. The stimulation is painless and does not cause long-term side effects often experienced by taking pain relieving drugs. Dr. Reinhardt is an Acupuncture Certified Practitioner in Denver, CO. Call to schedule an appointment today.

Non-surgical Spinal Traction Therapy

This is a highly effective treatment for bulging or herniated disks, pinched nerves, and relieving the severe pain experienced from sciatica. The treatment takes pressure off the pinched nerve(s) and other affected structures by gently stretching the spine. Think of discs as cushions for the spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs so they can heal faster. Contact Dr. Reinhardt to find out about the options available in the Denver office.

Massage Therapy

While this treatment is common amongst those seeking a good old-fashioned stress relieving massage, it can be very effective for dealing with sciatic nerve pain. Massage can provide relief by treating painful muscular and spinal areas such as the lower back and leg regions affected by sciatica. The manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue can significantly aid in the healing process. Through a variety of techniques, this increases circulation by increasing oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues and discs. If you think massage therapy is a treatment you’d like to pursue, the highly trained therapists at Reinhardt are here to help you get started.

Yoga & Stretches

Many people with sciatica find that abrupt movements after sitting and standing for long periods of time often trigger their pain. Sitting at a desk for several hours causes the spine to shorten or scrunch. Similarly, standing too long can put pressure on the spine. Yoga and stretching aid the development of good posture and reduce your pain and inflammation. Having good posture can greatly help in prevention. Yoga is a safe and effective option to relieve your sciatic nerve pain.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Topical Preparations

Natural topical products act transdermally and are popular for decreasing the pain and symptoms of sciatica. These remedies do not offer any long-term cure and do not have any effect on the actual sciatic nerve itself. We often recommend these products as a supplement to existing treatments and therapies. These natural preparations can be usually bought over the counter. Many contain substances such as herbs, oils, menthol, capsaicin and camphor. Contact Dr. Reinhardt to find out about the options available in the Denver office.

Ice and Heat Application

Applying ice or heat to your affected area acts as a counterirritant and can be a useful treatment. This option can temporarily ease pain from sciatica to a certain extent. Although you will experience temporary pain relief, this will not ease the inner inflammation, because ice and heat only act on the surface of your body. The sciatic nerve is located deep within the buttock and leg. Try applying ice or a heating pad for about 15 minutes or so as an alternate as needed.

Physical Therapy & Exercise

Although additional exercise and movement may sound counter-intuitive when you have chronic back pain, it is important to maintain physical activity. While lying in bed all day might be all that you can think about, doing so will likely make the pain last longer. Physical therapy and exercise will increase blood flow to the affected disc and nerve. In turn, this helps the body get rid of the chemicals causing your pain and inflammation. Seeing a physical therapist can be one of the best things you can do. Appointments can be made here.

Devil’s Claw (Herbal Medication)

Despite it’s negatively connotated name, this herb contains anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and anti-rheumatic properties. Devil’s claw is a natural remedy that can help relieve your lower back or leg pain. It is commonly available in the form of capsules or tablets. For all tea lovers out there you can also boil the devil’s claw root, allowing it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes and drink it a few times a day.

Live a Non-Sedentary Lifestyle

Many forms of sciatica treatment require movement and physical activity in general. Start out by going out for short walks between periods of sitting or lying down. Set yourself a goal to increase the number of steps you take each time. Also, while you’re at work or home be mindful of practicing good posture. Stop slouching! It will help lengthen your spine and take pressure off your spine.

Recommended Treatment for Sciatica

Most people deal with back pain at some point in their lives. Often times the underlying cause is sciatica. For those who suffer from sciatica, these 10 natural ways to relieve your pain are some of the best non-surgical options available.

The methods outlined above can relieve your sciatic nerve pain and prevent its stressful symptoms from becoming chronic.

While every single movement you make can be painful, it does not have to be forever. Seeing a Chiropractor on a regular basis is highly recommended if you’re dealing with sciatica. This is especially true if you’re experiencing severe lower back and leg pains but have not yet identified it’s underlying cause.