Sciatica is a relatively common form of back pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve.

Medically known as Lumbar Racidulopathy, sciatica is by itself a symptom (not a full-blown disorder) that potentially signals an underlying health condition such as a herniated disk, says the Mayo Clinic. The pain usually resolves itself within a few months however, severe cases may require medical intervention.

Up to 40% of North Americans, mostly men, report having had sciatica at least once in their lifetime, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 50.

While there is no cure for sciatica, for most people, sciatica responds well to self-care measures. Although resting for a day or so may provide some relief, prolonged inactivity will make your symptoms worse.

Try these self-care treatments for sciatica relief:

Cold packs. Initially, you might get relief from a cold pack placed on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Use an ice pack or a package of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel.

Hot packs. After two to three days, apply heat to the areas that hurts. Use hot packs, a heat lamp or a heating pad on the lowest setting. If you continue to have pain, try alternating warm and cold packs.

Stretching. Stretching exercises for your lower back, such as yoga, can help you feel better and might help relieve nerve root compression. Avoid jerking, bouncing or twisting during the stretch, and try to hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.

Percussive Massage Therapy. Percussive massage is a breakthrough treatment for soft tissue pain and injury. Percussive massage accelerates the growth and repair of tissues by providing concentrated, rapid, short-duration pulses deep into the tissues of the body. This heavily increases blood flow to the area causing pain relief and increases range of motion and function. Percussive massagers, including the MyoBuddy PRO Massager also provides a gentle stretch to the muscles and connective tissues improving flexibility and boosting performance.

Employ the Healing Power for Herbs!

Turmeric for Sciatica Pain Treatment.
Turmeric has become quite popular lately and there’s a reason why: its chock full of anti-inflammatory benefits. But its record in natural healing is long-standing. Harnessing anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help relieve sciatica pain and swelling by lowering levels of certain inflammation-fueling enzymes. Enjoy it as a tea, use it cooking, or apply it topically in a paste for the best benefits.

Jamaican Dogwood
Derived from bark of the dogwood tree, Jamaican dogweed is a powerful substance used to relieve nerve pain. It can be taken as a supplement in capsule form or applied as a tincture.
Caution: Jamaican dogwood should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, however.

St. John’s Wort Oil
A yellow-flowered plant used medicinally since the time of ancient Greece, St. John’s Wort has been used throughout the ages to treat nerve pain. Having anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, the herb is one of many known for helping to regenerate nerve tissue and relieve pain associated with sciatica.

Garlic
Similar to turmeric, garlic also has amazing anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great sciatica pain treatment. Increase your use of garlic in all your dishes, but also consider taking the cloves directly as a supplement. Four raw cloves each morning can go a long way to fight pain (and also boosts your immune system).

Whether your sciatic pain is severe and debilitating, or just an intermittent inconvenience, there is hope! Sciatica can be effectively managed naturally. By combining herbal remedies with regular physical activity and stretching, including swimming and walking, you can potentially prevent much of your pain and discomfort. And when the pain does flare up, hot packs, cold packs, and percussive massage can provide much-needed relief.