The flashing pain down one of the legs associated with sciatica can make it hard to keep up with your daily life. The good news is that the moment you feel it, you can take measures to feel better. Take a closer look at the home remedies for sciatica treatment. They could be of great help to you.
Applying Ice and/or Heat
This is a sciatica treatment which you can apply immediately. The interesting thing about it is that it can be applied in different ways, depending on which causes the greatest pain relief to the patient. You can apply ice for a day or two and then heat. Alternatively, you can use either one. It is up to you to figure out which approach works best for you.
The key thing is to apply ice and/or heat on the area where the pinched nerve is - the lower back. Ice is used for numbing the area and may cause some discomfort when applied. Just remember that the ice pack should not touch the skin directly. They should be separated by a piece of cloth. There are special sacks which you can use. Heat improves the blood flow to the area and this helps to reduce the inflammation and the pain. You will feel a sense of relief and relaxation when applying heat. It is best if you apply ice or heat for twenty minutes every two to three hours.
Topical Treatments
There are various anti-inflammatory oils and creams which you can apply topically on the area where the pinched nerve is. The cayenne pepper creams have gained great popularity in recent years as they can provide relief for several hours without the need to take medication. There are also plasters which you can apply to your back. They are often preferred for sciatica treatment by during the day as they are less messy compared to creams while being completely discreet.
Oils extracted from herbs can also help you feel better. One example is St. John’s wort oil. Usually, the sciatica treatment with this oil involves massaging it into the skin of the affected area two or three times during the day.
When using a topical treatment, you have to ensure that it won’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Check with your doctor if you are not sure. Additionally, you should never use more of the product more often than prescribed.
Finally, you should know that while resting can help with your sciatic treatment during the first few days, exercising is essential for keeping the condition at bay.