What Are the Possible Causes for Sciatic Nerve Pain?
Sciatic nerve pain can happen after a pinched or compressed nerve. Here are some of the main causes of sciatic nerve pain:
- Degenerative disc disease
Degenerative disc disease happens when the discs start to weaken and wear down, causing the nerve to pinch. The fluid from the degenerated disc may leak and cause irritated sciatic nerve.
- Bone spurs
Vertebrae bone spurs caused by osteoarthritis can put additional pressure on the sciatic nerve root and cause pain and discomfort.
- Herniated discs
The discs between the vertebrae may bulge and put pressure on the roots of the sciatic nerve.
- Spinal stenosis
This happens when the spine becomes narrower due to arthritis or aging. It may put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
- Piriformis syndrome
The piriformis muscle extends from the sacrum to the hip joint. Located on top of the sciatic nerve, if it becomes tight, it may put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Vertebral fracture
If there’s a fracture of the vertebrae, it may compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort.
Top 8 Ways to Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Pain Naturally?
In addition to conventional medicine to address sciatic nerve pain, there are also plenty of natural ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. Here are the top eight options at your disposal:
- Chiropractic care
Chiropractic treatment may help align the spine, lower the pressure, and restore the spine’s structural integrity.
Chiropractors perform specific spine manipulations that are created to decompress the sciatic nerve and lower sciatica pain.
- Acupuncture
The insertion of specific thin needles into the acupoints is done to release endorphins and other natural painkillers in the body.
Acupuncture lowers inflammation and betters the flow of oxygen-rich blood in the body. This enables a more efficient delivery of nutrients to the compressed nerves.
- Hot & cold therapy
Heat and ice may help lower sciatica pain and speed up the healing process. The ice will numb sore muscles and reduce inflammation. The heat will boost the blood flow.
The alternation between hot and cold will decrease the muscle spasms, lower swelling, and alleviate pain and discomfort. Limit each application of the heating pad or ice to no more than 15 minutes to half an hour.
Protect the skin by putting a cloth or a towel between the skin and the heat or cold source.
- Massages
Massages help better the blood flow, reduce tension in the muscles, and decrease pain.
Massage of the connective tissues and the deep muscles provides instant relief from the pain associated with sciatica.
- Regular movements
