Do you ever feel radiating pain that pulses from your lower back down your legs? You may be experiencing symptoms of sciatica, which is caused by a pinched or injured sciatic nerve. Thankfully, sciatic nerve pain is not long-term, and can typically be resolved within a few months, if not sooner. However, there are some things you can do to manage the nerve pain in the meantime! From supplements like Nerve Control 911 to massage therapy to numbing creams, there are many things you can do to help ease the pain.
1. Take Supplements for Nerve Pain
There are many natural supplements that can help ease nerve pain. With regular use, the natural ingredients in these products can minimize overall nerve pain. These supplements are rich in B vitamins, which can boost nerve repair and nerve tissue regeneration while also reducing inflammation. Incorporating a natural supplement along with a multivitamin can potentially help reduce sciatica symptoms with long-term use.
2. See a Massage Therapist
Massage therapy can help ease all sorts of back pain, especially when it comes to the dreadful, pulsing pain associated with sciatic nerve pain. While there are many different types of massages to choose from, most are effective in combatting general soreness and pain in the back and legs. Regular massages can stimulate nerve endings, which in turn release better blood flow and help ease the uncomfortable, tingly sensation caused by pinched nerves.
3. See a Chiropractor
Sciatica is caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can release pinched nerve endings, making it a great choice of treatment for nerve pain. Additionally, chiropractors can also teach basic exercises and movements that also work to alleviate sore nerve endings. Typically, nerve pain caused by sciatica can be treated in four visits or less, truly making a trip to the chiropractor a great option for pain relief!
4. Use a Heating Pack & Pressure Relief Cushion
Placing a heating pack on the most painful areas can encourage more blood flow, release tension, and ease soreness. Nerve roots start at the lower back and rear pelvis, making it the optimal area for heat therapy. Additionally, you can try to prevent some sciatica pain by using a pressure relief cushion. This is a cushion you can place underneath you for some extra padding and support. Pressure relief cushions work by putting a barrier between your tailbone and the chair’s hard surface, relieving pressure and pain.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes & Insoles
While this is a good tip for everyone, it is especially important that individuals experiencing sciatic nerve pain wear comfy, structured shoes and insoles. Proper shoes can promote improved posture and better gait, preventing general pain and soreness. Inserts can provide better arch support, which can improve overall stability. Good shoes and insoles cannot heal or prevent sciatica on their own but can provide great results as supplements to regular exercise, massage therapy, and other modes of treatment.
6. Gentle, Low-Impact Exercise
Due to the gentle nature of swimming and other forms of water therapy, these exercises are most effective in treating sciatica. However, incorporating any form of daily exercise into your regular routine can be super helpful for a variety of conditions. Low-intensity exercise can be especially beneficial for nerve pain, as it can boost blood flow, build muscles, and improve overall posture, which all can be very helpful in easing pain.
If exercise feels like too much, gentle stretching can also be beneficial in treating sciatica. There are a number of stretches that can combat nerve pain. Although it may seem counterintuitive, moving your body in any capacity is more effective than bed rest when it comes to healing nerve pain.
7. Use a Numbing or Heating Cream
Creams can be a helpful supplement to your sciatica treatment. Heating creams can give you similar relief that a heating pack can provide. Heat therapy helps with spasms, tension, soreness, and more, making it a great choice of treatment. Alternatively, a numbing cream, such as lidocaine, can provide a numbing sensation that nips nerve pain at its bud.
8. Take Pain Medication
If your sciatica nerve pain gets to be too much, there are many over-the-counter medications you can take to temporarily relieve symptoms. Pain relievers, like Ibuprofen, can neutralize radiating pain, provide a numbing sensation, and reduce inflammation. However, the benefits of taking pain medications are temporary, and these medications should only be used as an aid to your overall treatment plan.
If OTC medications are providing minimal relief, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you a stronger medication. While these should also be used temporarily, they can provide some serious relief. Medications commonly prescribed for sciatica include:
- Steroids
- Muscle relaxants
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
9. Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Because of the diuretic nature of alcohol, consumption can lead to dehydration and exasperate symptoms of sciatica. Overconsumption of alcohol can also be toxic to nerve tissues, which can cause pain and tension. Additionally, if you have taken pain medication to treat your nerve pain, you should be avoiding alcoholic beverages altogether.
10. Rub Your Feet & Legs With Oil
Daily, gentle foot and leg massages can also help relieve nerve pain. You can choose to heat up the oil to a warm temperature and give your feet some TLC! Like massage therapy, this daily act of self-care can stimulate those sensitive nerves and release any tenderness you may feel. Additionally, oiled massages can double as aromatherapy, which is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to heal a wide array of conditions.
Conclusion – How to Ease Sciatic Nerve Pain in 10 Easy Steps
Are you struggling with sciatic nerve pain? Worry not! There are many ways you can combat the uncomfortable, tingly sensation and radiating pain caused by a pinched sciatic nerve. By developing a proper treatment plan, you can ease nerve pain as quickly as a few days. Sciatica feels different for everyone, but with these 10 easy steps, you may find that sciatica pain relief is more feasible than you have originally thought!