Sciatica is a condition that involves pain generating from the sciatic nerve, which goes from the nerve roots in your lower back area in your lumbar spinal cord area to your buttocks, also affecting your lower limb's nerve endings. Sciatica is caused by factors such as inflammation or pressure on the sciatic nerve, infections, injury, herniated disc and muscle imbalance. Symptoms include numbness, burning, mild to extreme pain, tingling and, in more acute cases, may lead to difficulty in walking. There are both conventional and alternative methods you can utilize to assist you in coping with your condition.
Instructions
1. Ask your doctor for help. Several prescription drugs may aid in relieving your aches, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and other medications for reducing pain.
2. Use over-the-counter analgesics, like aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Use them only as directed to help ease nerve pain. Be aware that overuse of acetaminophen can harm the liver and use of NSAIDS can put you at risk of a heart attack or stroke. You should first speak to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications if you have a medical condition or are currently on any prescription drug.
3. Increase your intake of foods that contain potassium, which has been reported to aid in alleviating sciatic nerve pain. Some potassium-rich foods include strawberries, oranges, bananas, potatoes, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage, tuna and more.
4. Go for the garlic. Taking garlic supplements or eating raw garlic cloves on a daily basis can ease the discomfort associated with sciatic nerve pain. Use the product you choose as directed and see if you experience improvement of your symptoms within 1 to 2 months. If you have been diagnosed with an ulcer or are taking a prescription blood thinner, speak with your physician before taking garlic supplements or implementing garlic into your diet.
5. Drink elderberry juice or tea to diminish your pain. Elderberry is beneficial for helping to ease your distress by causing your muscles to become more relaxed. You can find elderberry juice or tea in any health food store.
6. Get a shower. Sciatic nerve pain can be eased by taking a hot shower immediately followed by a cold shower. This stimulates your circulation, which can help diminish your aches and pains.
7. Do special exercises to help relieve your pain. Stretching your upper and lower back helps to release pressure from surrounding muscles, which ease your sciatic nerve discomfort. To open your lower lumbar discs, lie down on your back and pull your knees up as close as you can to your chest.
8. Ask your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist. Physical therapy can introduce you to exercises to help strengthen your muscles and help lessen the degree of nerve pain you are suffering.
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