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Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in human body. It serves a connection between the lower body and the brain. Taking origin in the lower back area, it travels through the hips and ends in the lower legs. Many of the muscles in these areas are controlled by this nerve. If it is impinged upon, the result is excruciating pain. The pain might vary in severity and location. It could be experienced at intervals or could be nonstop. In terms of severity, it could be just a mere ache or could be very intense as well. It could also, affect the muscles in the lower limbs and make them numb.

The treatment plans vary for individuals, depending on the nature and severity of their condition. In some cases only rest is sufficient and the body heals itself. If the pain is more intense, it’s a good idea to avoid unnecessary bending and lifting. Some of the treatment options for Sciatic nerve pain relief are as below:

•    One basic home remedy is the use of ice pack. This provides relief from pain and inflammation. If an ice pack is not readily available frozen peas will work as well. In order to avoid ice burn wrap the icepack in a cloth or towel. Apply the ice pack for fifteen minutes and then take a break for the same amount of time.

•    Hot bath or a heat pack is another easy home remedy for Sciatic nerve pain relief which may be used after 48 hours have passed since the pain initiated. The heat helps in loosening the clamped up muscles and as a result pain is reduced.

•    Sciatica patients tend to have very tight lower back and hip muscles. Piriformis is one muscle that is commonly impacted. Hip and back stretches are very helpful in loosening these tight muscles. If searching the internet the search term “piriformis stretches” will be helpful in finding the right kind of exercise routines.

•    Herbal remedies are also available which have the added benefit of having no side effects. Devil’s claw, Arctium lappa as well as Matricaria recutita are commonly used anti inflammatory herbs, known for their benefits for back ache and muscle cramps.

•    Homeopathy also offers some options which may provide relief from muscle and back stiffness. Some well known homeopathic medicine are Colocynthis and Rhus tox.

•    Comfortable, flat shoes with good support and cushion for feet are a must. Comfy shoes lessen strain on feet, legs and ultimately the back. So time spent on finding the right shoes is worth it.

•    Sitting in one position for a long period of time is not good for the back at all. One must try to get up, move around or change position after every little while.

•    Stress can also lead to muscle tension, making one more sensitive to pain. It is essential to deal with the factors that lead to stress.

There is a variety of options available for treatment of sciatic or any other back pain. Natural back pain treatments are a way to avoid medicine or related medical complications. Some examples of natural backache treatments are given below.

Chiropractic: This back pain treatment method is based on techniques that promise to improve the spinal cord alignment and help in relaxation of back muscles hence improving flexibility.

White Willow Bark: This works like aspirin minus the harmful impact that aspirin has on the stomach. This bark contains salicin, which converts into salicylic acid. Salicylic acid targets and helps reduce the sciatic and many other types of back aches and pains.

Balneo Therapy: This technique consist of bathing in hot water springs and/or in warm mineral water, which results in reduction in muscle tension and hence better movement. It is a method that does show results but is not recommended for people who might have heart problems.

Respiring Methodologies: This back pain treatment method seems similar to yoga but actually is not. It helps the person by making them focus on mind and body connection and as a result, improvement in pain may be noticed.

Alexander Technique: Australian actor – Fredrick Matthias developed this technique. It is based on the notion that having a good body posture lessens discomfort due to reduced muscle and body stiffness.  So the focus here is on proper posture. Videos explaining the method are easily available on the internet and may be used at home with ease.

Bowen Treatment: This is a more recent treatment that has come into the market to treat back pain issues. It is a technique that involves stretching of the skin away from the muscles with receptors. Some force is applied on the receptors by the therapist. The brain receives signals from the receptors, which results in improved muscle tension and reduced pain.

Such natural therapies might not sow immediate results but they are effective and they have the added advantage of saving us from harmful drug side effects.