Alternative Treatments for Sciatica and Sciatica Pain

Aug. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Sciatica is inherently not a back, joint, or muscle problem. It is a problem that impacts the sciatic nerve running through the lower portion of the spine and towards the legs. When the nerve is compressed, squeezed and irritated, then a distinct pain develops.

This shooting pain or numbing feeling is referred to as sciatica can give anyone great discomfort and disturb your day to day living conditions. Before any treatment, you should go through some laboratory and imaging tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis of sciatica.

Treating sciatica can be invasive or natural depending on your choice of treatment. A qualified doctor’s advice is much sounder than just following what other sciatica patients are doing. Sciatica often times does not require surgical treatment. However you have to be careful because complications can arise very quickly.  If this is the case, then close attention will have to be given to this condition to eliminate sciatica.

Natural treatments of sciatica cases are being used nowadays because it does not involve taking narcotics which some people think can do more harm than good for the body. Examples of this brand of sciatica treatment are massages, acupuncture, acupressure, stretching exercises and proper diet and nutrition. Each treatment approach targets a specific cause of sciatic nerve inflammation.

Massage therapies come in different forms. This is usually given by a qualified physical therapist or a professional practicing chiropractic.  Most massages aim to realign the spine to its proper position and to relax the muscles around the sciatic nerve. This can provide relief from the pain.  Acupressure works similar to massages. It uses constant pressure on very particular spots on the back to loosen up the tension and release stress. Acupuncture follows the same principle, but it uses thin needles for applying gentle pressure.

Sciatica treatment through stretching exercises proves to be beneficial for people who have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. This condition is one of the leading causes of sciatica. Walking and swimming when regulated can also make back and leg muscles stronger. Yoga offers specific poses that relives sciatic pain and restores spine and muscle strength. Any of these sciatica treatments is always best when accompanied by a well-balanced diet. Health experts encourage the eating of food that promotes faster regeneration and healing of tissues and nerves. Should you wish to concentrate on yoga and exercises, you may consult a certified yoga instructor who has experience in handling sciatica cases.

Even if people are put off by the idea of a pharmaceutical remedy, it may very be a logical option, especially for serious cases of sciatica. However, natural treatments of sciatica may decrease the intake frequency of anti-inflammatory drugs. If sciatic pain continues and progresses, then you should reevaluate your treatment options with your doctor.

There is no such thing as one ultimate sciatica treatment plan that works for everyone. You know your body better than anyone else so when you embark on a pain management and overall sciatic treatment, make sure that you take control of it. Researching more about sciatica and getting a thorough diagnosis of your condition can minimize the risk of worsening sciatica.

For more information, check out http://www.cureforsciaticapain.org/info