Sciatica is pain that affects the back, hip and outer side of the leg which occurs as a result of compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back and at many patients the reason for that pain is degeneration of an intervertebral disk. Most common cause of sciatica pain is slipped or herniated disc, but the pain also can be caused by spinal injury or infection, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, pregnancy as well as isthmic spondylolisthesis. The pain caused by sciatica is severe and debilitating.

1. Massage

Massage efficiently will relieve the sciatica pain, but with the help of massage therapy, your body can heal itself, especially if the cause of the problem is a muscle spasm. Massage is incredibly beneficial and will stimulate the circulation, release tension and will raise the range of motion.

St John’s wort oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and it is perfect for relieving sciatica inflammation and pain. Gently massage the affected area 2-3 times a day.

2. Hot or Cold Compresses

Hot or cold compresses are effective method for relieving the sciatica inflammation and pain. Experts explain that the cold compress actually numb the pain and lower the swelling around the nerve, while the heat compress relax tense muscles which often are pressing the sciatic nerve.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a natural treatment of sciatica. Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric, which efficiently lowers nerve pain and inflammation.

Prepare turmeric-milk mixture by boiling 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. You can add a small cinnamon stick if you like. You can add honey for a sweeter taste. Drink this healthy potion 1-2 times a day until you notice improvement.

4. Capsaicin Cream

Cayenne pepper contains active compound called capsaicin, which is a natural pain reliever. Studies proved that capsaicin helps deplete the substance P levels, a neurotransmitter that transports pain signals. All you should do is to apply an ointment or cream that contains 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin on the affected area, maximum 4 times a day, in a period of 7 days.

Note: you should not apply capsaicin cream or ointment on a broken skin. This compound initially may cause a burning sensation.

5. Exercises

Regular physical activity and exercising are important for the sciatica treatment. First, you should begin with exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and a day or two later you should flare-up of sciatica. On this way you significantly will speed up the recovery process.

Medical experts advise you to perform knee to chest stretch in order to reduce sciatic nerve irritation and to improve your lower back’s flexibility.

6. White Willow Bar

Scientific studies showed that bark of white willow provides long-lasting pain relief. Namely, this bark contains olic glycosides with salicin and that makes it powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory substance. In order to achieve best results you should take 120 milligram of white willow supplement or 240 milligrams of salicin per day in period of several weeks. Before you take any supplements you should consult with medical expert.

7. Valerian Root

The root of Valerian herb has the ability to relieve chronic nerve pain. Studies proved that it is particularly efficient in reducing sciatica pain caused by a muscle spasm. Namely, the valerian root contains volatile oils which will relax the muscles and in same time will reduce tension. Very often, it is used as a sleeping aid. In order to relieve sciatica pain you should take valerian root supplements, 150 milligrams – 3 times a day in period of few. However, as it is mentioned above, you should consult medical expert before taking the supplements.

8. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is efficient form of alternative medicine that relaxes the muscles and thus relieve sciatica pain. This method will help your body heal on its own. It is considered that when certain acupuncture points are stimulated, in same time the central nervous system is stimulated and that causes releasing of chemicals, which either produce a sense of well-being, or change the perception of pain.

9. Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractic care is popular natural treatment for back and neck pain. Chiropractic spinal manipulation is combination of various techniques that include short and rapid thrusts. This technique is efficient in soothing the irritation of the nerve that is responsible for inflammation and other sciatica symptoms.

10. Fenugreek Seeds

In order to relieve your sciatica pain you can prepare a poultice from fenugreek. The fenugreek seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. You can use this poultice to ease gout pain and rheumatoid arthritis.