Home Remedies and Herbs for Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that produces radiating pain along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve stems from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down the back of each leg ending in the foot. Sciatica produces pain anywhere along this nerve pathway, but is most commonly felt on one side of the body.^{1 2} Sciatica is considered to be a symptom rather than a condition in itself. Sciatica is a symptom that is the result of some other underlying condition like an injury or another spinal condition.^{1 2} Sciatica affects different people differently. For some, it may be an uncomfortable condition, while for others it can seriously affect daily life.³ There are ways to treat sciatica and prevent pain and discomfort. However, for many sciatica is a chronic issue that must be continuously managed.

What Causes Sciatica?

There are several possible sciatica causes. Underlying medical conditions are what cause sciatica symptoms to form usually because an injury or condition hsa causes a pinched nerve.¹ Some possible sciatica causes include:^{1 3 4}

• Lumbar herniated disk - When the rubbery disc material between each vertebrae in the spine becomes ruptured or slips.
• Degenerative disc disease - A degenerative condition that can produce pain due to a damaged disc.
• Spondylolisthesis - When one vertebrae becomes unaligned with the others, which causes a narrowing where the nerve exits.
• Spinal Stenosis - A condition that causes the spinal canal to narrow, which puts pinching pressure on the nerves.
• Tumor or disease - In rare cases a tumor may form on the spine, which causes nerve pain. Sometimes a disease like diabetes can lead to spinal damage over time, which causes sciatica pain.

Certain risk factors like older age, obesity, sitting for too long or performing repetitive lifting can place people at greater risk of sciatica pain.⁵

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica symptoms can vary depending on the severity of damage or injury causing sciatica. Sciatica symptoms can range from a mild, dull ache to a severe, sharp burning sensation. Sciatica symptoms include:^{1 6}

• Constant pain in one buttock or leg
• Pain that worsens when seated
• Burning and tingling in the leg
• Weakness or numbness and inability to move the leg
• Pain that radiates into the foot and toes

References

1. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/basics/definition/con-20026478
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/what-is-sciatica
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/basics/causes/con-20026478
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/basics/risk-factors/con-20026478
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/basics/symptoms/con-20026478