subject: How to Cure Back Pain due to Sciatica Nerve [print this page] How to Cure Back Pain due to Sciatica Nerve
How to Cure Back Pain due to Sciatica Nerve
Injury to the sciatic nerve can be the cause of tremendous pain and discomfort in the lower back and leg. The condition is known as sciatica, and though it is possible to reverse it, it may take a few weeks, and the intervening period can be very depressing. The sciatic nerve originates in the lumbar region and makes its way to the back of the leg through the thighs and buttocks and the pain may be felt anywhere along its path, depending on the location of the injury, which can happen on account of a herniated disc, or spinal stenosis, or tightening of the muscles in the thigh and buttocks.
Home treatment for this condition is very much possible, and provided a few things are carefully done, and depending on the intensity of the pain, it can be got rid of in a short time.
If the pain persists even after a couple of days of bed-rest, some preliminary remedial steps can be taken at home in order to relieve the pain. A hot water bath, or a hot water bag over the affected area is a great help. Thereafter, a mild rub with evening primrose oil, or oil of wintergreen, or any ointment containing methyl salicylate, will generally ensure that the person is able to at least stand up and move around a little. Once this is possible, a few simple exercises can be started as below:
1. Stand with right foot over left. Slowly bend from the waist, and try to bring the forehead to touch the right knee. Hold for 5 seconds, relax and repeat with the other leg.
2. Sit on the floor with both legs outstretched in front of you. Bend at the waist and try to touch your toes to the extent possible. Hold for 5 seconds, relax and repeat 5 times.
If walking is possible, this can also be done so as to maintain some movement within the body.
Other methods of relieving the pain include modification of the diet to include foods containing Vitamin B1 or thiamine, such as green peas, bananas, lentils, nuts, beans, etc. Non-vegetarian items containing this vitamin are Liver, beef and pork. This vitamin is known to soothe the nerves. Garlic in any form, particulary garlic milk, (2 cloves garlic crushed into half a cup of milk, taken twice daily) also works to relieve pain.
Some juices are potent pain relievers; a mixture of potato juice and celery leaf juice is one such.
It can be mixed with carrot or beetroot juice in case it is found unpalatable by itself.
Elderberry juice or elderberry tea, or chamomile tea is also a good remedy for sciatica back pain.
Finally, it is important to improve one's overall health, in an attempt to keep sciatica at bay.
Maintaining a good posture is as important as is some form of movement. One should not sit in one position for a very long period. It is always best to take a short walk every once in a while, so as to relieve the pressure on the lower back, and keep the nutrients flowing within the vertebrae.
Sleeping on a firm mattress also helps to keep the back free from pain.
A visit to the doctor can very well be avoided if all the above remedies are kept in mind and carried out to the extent feasible. Home remedies are generally the safer and surer way to great health, and one must certainly try them out prior to taking conventional medicine as far a spossible
