Sciatic pain relief commonly refers to any method of easing the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and is typically felt in  the buttock, down the back of the leg and possibly as far as the foot.  

    Many people are seeking sciatic pain relief due to compression of the sciatic nerve which begins in the lower part of the back and travels down the back of the leg into the foot. The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.  Numbness, tingling, and/or a burning or prickling sensation are also common symptoms of Sciatic nerve compression.

     The sciatic nerve supplies sensation and strength to the leg as well as the reflexes of the leg. It connects the spinal cord with the outside of the thigh, the hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs, and muscles in the lower leg and feet. As such, when the sciatic nerve is impaired it can lead to muscle weakness in the leg and/or, numbness or tingling. 

    Compression of the nerve will cause it to swell making the pinching action increase. Using an anti- inflammatory to decrease the swelling is a common recommendation by members of the medical community. It is logical that some sciatic pain relief will take place in this way, however there are side effects from these drugs that we can do without.  

    Fortunately we have access to high quality herbal anti-inflammatories that do not have the undesirable side effects. So we can obtain the sciatic pain relief we are searching for minus the undesirable side effects. This makes a lot of sense to me.

     Sciatic pain can result when the nerve roots in the lower spine are irritated or compressed. Most often, when the L5 or S1 nerve root is irritated by a herniated disc.  

    Other conditions that may also create sciatic pain include piriformis syndrome arthritis in the spine and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.  Most cases of sciatic pain are caused by a simple irritation to the nerve and will get better with time and conservative care such as rest and herbal anti-inflammatory.

    However, some symptoms may indicate a potentially serious injury to the sciatic nerve: Depending on the cause of the sciatic pain, numbness or lameness in the affected limb may occur as well as loss of bladder and bowel control in some cases. In severe cases of sciatica, permanent nerve damage may occur. 

     If weakness or numbness is present, the nerve may be damaged and it is important to seek attention from a health care professional. If the nerve is compressed and the pain and symptoms are severe, surgery may be warranted.

The most like age group to develop sciatic pain for the first time in between the ages of 30 and 40.Sitting in a vehicle for long periods of time heavy lifting and twisting the back are contributors to developing sciatic pain. Demands of our work and leisure activities all play a part.

What is the usual Sciatic Pain Relief  treatment?

Most people with sciatic pain are prescribed pain-killers or anti-inflammatory medications to provide sciatic pain relief. These generally provide some sciatic pain relief but have the potential to cause serious adverse side-effects. Herbal non addictive alternatives are available and provide a safe alternative to these medications. Medications are usually used in combination with massage, chiropractic adjustment and stretching/strengthening exercises. As well, hot and cold packs provide sciatic pain relief In severe cases sciatic pain relief is not achieved with the usual treatments and conventional health practitioners may advise injections of anti-inflammatory steroids into the affected area. These injections are not always very effective and can also cause serious side-effects. Because of the dangers, there is a limit on how many of these injections an individual can receive,  usually not more than three per year.

Surgery to remove the herniated part of a disc is sometimes performed on people with severe symptoms like weakness or incontinence or if the pain is worsening despite treatment.
 

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