Sciatica is pain that radiates down the buttocks and through the back of the legs, arising from nerve compression in the lower back. The physical sensations follow the route of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lumbar spine to the feet.

Officially called lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica is often excruciating. It “can be intolerable,” says New Hampshire physical therapist Birgit Ruppert. “Some people liken it to the nerve pain you experience if you have a toothache.”

Here are a few of the most effective treatments:

Chiropractic adjustment

6 out of 10 sciatica patients who had been unable to curb their symptoms through other means and then received regular chiropractic adjustment saw equivalent pain alleviation as individuals who underwent surgery, according to a 2010 study from Calgary, Alberta. The 120 research participants received treatment three times per week for four weeks and then reduced to once per week, gradually spacing out chiropractic care as they improved.

Yoga

Individuals suffering from chronic back pain can benefit from yoga, suggests research published in Pain. After four months of yoga, back pain fell 64% among participants. Similarly, yoga could help those with sciatica by making the muscles stronger and enhancing flexibility.

Massage

Trigger-point massage therapy can be incredibly effective at relieving the symptoms of sciatica. This method aims to loosen the piriformis muscle by focusing on specific knots or tight bands within it, called trigger points. The piriformis is targeted because it can impinge the sciatic nerve when it becomes too tight.

Topical solutions

Many patients find that St. John’s wort oil, which contains anti-inflammatory compounds, fights pain when rubbed on the area two or three times daily. You may also find that an over-the-counter cayenne pepper cream is helpful.

Devil’s claw

Another option is devil’s claw, which Tieraona Low Dog, MD, says is “quite a potent anti-inflammatory, working like ibuprofen and similar drugs to inhibit substances that drive inflammation.” Note that this option is not a safe choice if you have a peptic ulcer or are taking a blood-thinning drug.

Ice or heat

The inflammation of sciatica is far below the surface. However, ice and heat act as counterirritants (additional strong stimuli) to the leg and buttocks, which tends to reduce pain.

Broad approach to sciatica relief

Thoughtful and informed pain management practices have realized that the numerous effective ways to treat sciatica become more powerful when used in combination.

At Health Star Clinic, we offer chiropractic care and massage alongside a variety of physical therapy and medical treatments. Stop suffering. Get help now!