|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department
>
Supplement Articles
> Sciatica |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
SCIATICA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
A condition that manifests as pain, usually radiating from the back into the buttock and/or the lower extremity, usually along the posterior or lateral (side) of the leg (following the course of the sciatic nerve). |
|
SCIATICA |
|
|
| Most effectively treated with body work such as acupuncture, chiropractics, osteopathy etc. |
|
|
The pain caused by sciatica is usually one-sided and can range in intensity and character, from a pins and needles/tingly sensation, to a burning, stabbing or aching pain. The pain can lead to a weakness in the affected limb, greatly impacting one's daily life. |
Sciatica, often called sciatic neuralgia or neuritis, is caused by irritation on the nerve from another source – lumbar disc herniation (radiculopathy), bone (bone spurs) or muscle (– often a spasm of the piriformis). In this sense, it is actually not a medical condition on its own, but rather a symptom of another condition. Neuritis, simply means that there is inflammation due to this irritation.
Sciatica is most effectively treated with body work – manipulating or working with the source, to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can consist of one, or a combination of therapies like acupuncture, TENS, massage, chiropractics or osteopathy. The most effective treatments may include a combination of supplement and bodywork, but bodywork is almost always necessary for long lasting results. Depending on the pain, it is not uncommon for individuals suffering with sciatica to compensate for any weakness, lack of balance, or pain by adjusting one's stance, gait or seated positions. This can eventually cause wear and tear on other joints, potentially more pain and musculoskeletal injury that will ultimately need to be corrected in order for pain free movement, and healthy posture. |
| SUPPLEMENT |
DOSAGE |
THERAPEUTIC
EFFECT |
| MAGNESIUM |
250-750 mg/day |
Essential for healthy bones, nerves and muscles, making it very effective for sciatic pain of various causes. |
| B COMPLEX |
50-300 mg/day |
B vitamins play a huge role in nerve health. Thiamine and B12, in particular may help to support the health and function of the sciatic nerve. |
| CURCUMIN |
500-1000 mg/day |
Extract of the spice tumeric, curcumin is an effective anti-inflammatory. |
| Silica |
1000mg horsetail extract daily |
Needed for
production of
proteins to repair
damaged skin. |
| BOSWELIA |
600-1200 mg/day |
Anti-inflammatory properties to calm inflammation surrounding nerve and decrease pain. |
| ARNICA |
Apply as needed |
AApplied as a topical cream, or taken homeopathically, Arnica may help to decrease pain and improve mobility. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|