In pain? If you have been diagnosed with sciatica, you are probably looking to find relief ASAP. To avoid the pharmacy, there are few great home remedies and essential oils for sciatica that can make a world of difference.
Ready for relief? Here’s everything you need to know about using home remedies and essential oils for sciatica.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is leg pain caused by a nerve that has become pinched in your lower back. While the nerve is located in your lower spine, the pain will typically run down the length of your backside and can have a major impact on your legs. Your doctor may have mentioned radiculopathy, which is the pain that this condition causes. The pain can be intense and similar to a toothache spread down the length of your leg.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disk. It is very common for a disk tear or crack to develop, which then causes a pinch in the sciatic nerve.
Of course, any time you are in intense pain, you should see a doctor. Your MD will be able to tell you what the exact cause is and set you up with a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
How to Treat Sciatica
The good news is that sciatica often passes within about six weeks or less. So, it is not a condition that you have to deal with forever. It is, however, not something that you just want to live with. While over the counter pain reliever can be extremely helpful in getting your through the worst of the pain, it is also important to use other techniques to keep yourself comfortable.
Seeing the Chiropractor about Sciatica
Your chiropractor can help you manage your pain. Typically your doctor will recommend weekly visits until you begin feeling more comfortable. Spinal manipulation can be useful in eliminating pain and increasing mobility.
Try Yoga
A recent study of those with chronic back pain showed that patients who utilized Iyengar yoga for 16 weeks as part of their treatment plan were able to see a 64 percent reduction in pain and a 77 percent reduction in disability.
Yoga is great for strengthening your muscles and improving flexibility. It is also very helpful for helping you to establish better posture and prevent slumping from aggravating your sciatica.
Using Essential Oils for Sciatica
One of our favorite natural remedies is essential oil! Especially when used as a part of regular therapeutic massages, they can make an incredible difference in your daily pain level.
Whether you are trying at-home massage for pain relief or are visiting a professional, here are a few of the best essential oils for sciatica.
Ginger Essential Oil for Sciatica
This has always been a popular oil for its warming action. It is helpful for improving blood flood and digestion, as well as joint and muscle aches. Use it on your back, legs, and butt for relief.
We love Plant Therapy Ginger Root CO2 Extract! It is 100 percent pure, undiluted, therapeutic grade essential oil. It is one of the best oils to have at home for treating a wide range of everyday aches, pains, and other ailments.
Peppermint Essential Oil for Sciatica
This stuff is good for more than just fresh breath! Peppermint essential oil has always been the go-to herbal option for a quick “pick me up” that will leave you feeling revitalized and energized. Use it in your massage oil for pain relief.
We love Vitruvi Organic Peppermint Essential Oil for sciatica! This 100 percent pure, undiluted premium grade essential oil has been certified organic and it smells great.
Tip- When using essential oil, it is always important to dilute it before applying it to your skin. For an easy and skin-friendly solution, use one tablespoon of pure coconut oil with one drop of essential oil to create a perfect blend.