Table of Contents
Sciatica Remedies
"The term sciatica describes the symptoms of leg pain and possibly tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the low back through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. The vast majority of people who experience sciatica get better with time (usually a few weeks or months) and find pain relief with non-surgical sciatica treatment. For others, however, sciatica can be severe and debilitating."
Source: http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-you-need-know-about-sciatica
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| CANDIED GINGER SLICES | 12 YEAS |
| TENNIS SHOE TECHNIQUE | 5 YEAS |
BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES
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05/01/2012: Jimverwey2007 from Houston, Tx: "01/24/2010: Cristi from Tucson, Arizona, United States: "I cured sciatica in my right leg using blackstrap molassas. I read in the book The Ultimate Healing System by Donald Lepore, N. D. That sciatica in the right leg is caused by a potassium deficiency. Since I always seek out food sources over supplements I started the black strap molassas and have never had pain again.
FYI, the book says sciatica in the left leg is a sodium defiency.
Things that deplete potassium and sodium are drinking alchohol, processed foods, sweating/exercising, and being sick, to name a few."
Bullion cubes or salt in warm water will stop the pain. Look up sciatic pain, etiologies, mineral deficiencies."
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[YEA] 01/24/2010: Cristi from Tucson, Arizona, United States: "I cured sciatica in my right leg using black strap molassas. I read in the book The Ultimate Healing System by Donald Lepore, N.D. that sciatica in the right leg is caused by a potassium deficiency. Since I always seek out food sources over supplements I started the black strap molassas and have never had pain again.
FYI, the book says sciatica in the left leg is a sodium defiency.
Things that deplete potassium and sodium are drinking alchohol, processed foods, sweating/ecercising, and being sick, to name a few."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 01/18/2011: Marykaylady from Tempe, Az, Usa replies: "You are right on about this being from a potassium deficiency. Some drugs like Metformin or Lisinipril cause a potassium deficiency then we get sciatica pain. Molasses is high in potassium and it is easier than all the others to incorporate into one's diet daily but you didn't say how much you take? I will probably do this remedy because it is so easy and quick to take.I was eating avocado, peanuts, potatoes, lima's, apricots and pears and a lot of other things that have potassium but the avocado gave me more relief than anything within 1 hour--(1 whole avocado). Also B Complex.... Like breads and Brewers yeast etc. Brewers yeast is the best one in the B's. So for me it is potassium and B complex. These are the two that I work on. May my prayers be with all sciatica pain sufferers. By the way Ibuprofin 800 mg is the only thing that will eliminate the pain completely temporarily while nothing else really will. Icy Hot spray and stick (both) work pretty good. I use them both at the same time.... Spray and then stick. I also take baths with Epsom and Lavender, I buy it at Walgreens in a bag. I get the water very hot or sit in it before the tub fills up because I want it very hot. Then when I am done I drain the tub and turn on the cold water. So it is a hot and cold bath... This works for me. I think that is about my take on this mess and I just wonder if I will ever! Get rid of this without surgery. Anyone ever used a Ten's unit? Â Â JO in Phoenix"
[YEA] 04/15/2011: Marykaylady from Tempe, Az, Usa replies: "I AM CURED OF SCIATICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Nothing on this thread helped me but B-12. So many medications deplete B-12 and old age too. My friend told me to get this and in 7 days that sciatica was gone. You can do what you want. I have been meaning to come here for a month now because it is sad for so many to be hurting when all they have to do is buy this product. Get the one that dissolves under your tongue.
Thanks JO in AZ"
04/20/2012: Laura from Newport Beach, Ca replies: "I eat alot of unrefined salt, so I should have enough sodium, but I still have pain on my left side, I just tried 5 Hour Energy, and it had such positive effect, I looked up the ingredients. It seems that the amino acid L-Phenylanine is a natural painkiller. It also has B-12, which someone else on this thread mentioned."
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CANDIED GINGER SLICES
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[YEA] 04/06/2011: Hope from Sacramento, California: "I had a bad case of sciatica for about 2 weeks and tried everything and then remembered reading a long while ago about crystalized ginger ( on Earth Clinic, of course! ) I bought some from the bulk section at the food co-op and lo and behold, after eating 6 pieces, the pain was GONE! Not only is it delicious, but it works!"
Replies05/10/2011: Brenda from Page, Az, Usa replies: "Anyone know of a sugarfree version?"
05/11/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France replies: "I don't know how you can candy ginger without sugar, maybe dried ginger? In order to solve the problem I soak them in water."
[YEA] 02/29/2012: Dina from Webster, Fl replies: "I was on here Friday night because my husband has suffered from sciatica for more than a month he has been going to the Dr and no relief he has not been able to walk without severe pain. I bought fresh ginger and candied it myself and he has been eating 3 pieces 4 times a day and he is able to walk again. His pain level has dropped drastically and he has only been taking for 4 days. I really appreciate the info that I got from here I was really worried that he was not going to get better. Thank you"
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[YEA] 02/18/2010: Patti from Jamestown, Ohio, United States: "I found this site just looking at natural ways to treat different things. My husband is 71 & hurt his back sweeping our porch. Going & going to the doctor but not much help. The pain in his leg was awful. He could not find a comfortable position no matter what he did. For two nights he walked the floor just trying to get some relief. I saw the crystalized ginger for scatica and thought it was worth a try. When I tell others how much it helped him I get a funny look but it surely did. On Saturday, about noon he ate two pieces. Two more about 3 and two more around 6 that evening. He slept Saturday night for the first time in 3 weeks AND he has had NO pain in the leg since. His back is still some sore and tender but the pain that went from his hip almost to his foot is 100% total gone. So I would say to anyone with sciatica to at least give it a try. He is eating 3-4 pieces a day now. May try not eating and see if it stays gone. Just wanted to share this so if someone is wondering if this really works is did for my husband. Got it at Krogers in the dried fruit area. Came in a bag like dried cranberries are in. They also had it in the spices but alot more expensive.
Love this site and all the information here."
[YEA] 04/03/2011: Elaine from Fairfield, Ct replies: "I've been dealing with horrible Sciatic pain and muscle spasms in my back. I've been to doctors and a chiropractor. They gave me pain meds and gave me stretching exercises to do. I've gotten adjusted and acupuncture and massage therapy. The pain persisted. The pain was so horrible sometimes and annoying. I didn't want to keep taking pain medication, so I started looking for natural cures.I read how Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory and thought I would give it a try. I was going to look for Ginger supplements at a health food store, but then thought I would first try the ginger slices. I started eating small pieces throughout the day. After two days, I started feeling better and by the third day the pain was almost completely gone. I couldn't believe it. I feel like I'm dreaming. Nothing was helping me and I was becoming so depressed. It's amazing how the ginger has helped me. I was so skeptical when I first started taking it, but I was so tired of the pain and not getting relief from doctors that at this point I thought I will give it a try. It really helps. It's amazing. I feel so wonderful today. This is the first week that I haven't felt awful and didn't have pain. It's almost unreal. If you are having a lot of pain, give it a try it worked for me."
04/05/2011: Patti from Jamestown, Ohio replies: "Elaine, So good to know someone else tried the ginger and it worked for them. My husband is still using it, just a piece or two everyday. He still have that back pain but never has the scatica pain unless he goes several days without eating any ginger. I have told many people and those who really gave it a good try got alot of pain relief. It really is amazing. My hubby kept saying "I don't believe how much better my leg is, can it really be the ginger"? Earth Clinic has been a lifesaver more than once for us. Thanks to everyone who keeps it up and running and prayers to Ted."
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[YEA] 02/23/2009: Renee from San Jose, CA: "I irritated my sciatic nerve for the first time, and in addition to ice packs, heat pads, ibuprofen and rest, I also made ginger syrup and dried sweet pieces. Eating and drinking the ginger enhances the anti-inflammatory benefit from the ibuprofen, so I do not need to take as much. Eventually, I hope to only consume ginger while eliminating the ibuprofen. I used the recipe "Ginger Ale and It's Candy" by Ming Tsai and even substituted some of the sugar with stevia for sweetener. I add 1-2 Tablespoons of syrup to 8 oz. selter water for the ginger ale. I have been eating 6-8 small pieces of ginger daily, or adding to my tea for flavor. Ginger is good!"
Replies07/13/2009: NN from Utica, Ny replies: "Regarding candied ginger root for sciatica pain: will un-candied ginger root work? Has anyone tried that?"
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[YEA] 02/27/2006: Hugo from E Freetown, MA: "I WAS ON A DIET SO I MADE LITE CANDIED GINGER SLICES TO SUPRESS APPETITE. I WAS ALSO SUFFERING FROM SEVERE SCIATICA AND BACK SPASMS. AFTER A WEEK BOTH DISAPPEARED. IT WAS BY ACCIDENT THAT I DISCOVERED THE TOTAL RELIEF OF LOWER BACK PROBLEMS. I AM 64 YRS OLD. I HAVE DISCONTINUED GINGER AND MY BACK HAS BEEN PAIN FREE."
Replies07/31/2008: Joyce from bonifay, Fl. replies: "Candied ginger slices for sciatica. what is the recipe for the candied ginger slices? I can't find it anywhere."
EC: You can buy candied ginger in Asian Markets.. Also possibly Trader Joes and Whole Foods...
08/22/2008: Elaine from Butler, N.J. replies: "is crystallized ginger the same as candied ginger? I want to try it for sciatica pain but your post did not say how much to use. thanks for your help."
EC: Probably the same. Cystallized ginger has 2 ingredients: ginger and cane sugar.
[YEA] 08/27/2008: Elaine from Butler, NJ replies: "Iv'e been eating the slices for about a week now, I don't know how it works, but it is working. The pain is almost all gone. It's nice not to be taking excederin every four hours. I snack on about 5 or 6 slices a day. Thanks for the tip!!!"
[YEA] 09/12/2008: Anna from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania replies: "Candied ginger slices for scatica:
My husband suffers from sciatica for weeks in a stretch about four times a year. It started hurting him really bad (not able to function without OTC painkillers) few days ago. Two days ago I read here about candied ginger. Yesterday he snack on it- about 10-12 slices which is a lot but he found 1. he likes the taste 2.everybody in his work seems to like it too and wants to have some! It was his first night without painkiller! The pain is gone! Early morning, which used to be worst, he sensed "something" along the nerve, but it even wasn't painful or lasting. It is so hard to believe - but IT IS A FACT. (I learned meanwhile that ginger works against inflammotion; whatever the reason-it has worked!)"
09/23/2008: Mariana from San Pablo, Ca. replies: "I was wondering if it also works with powdered ginger? I used 1 tablespoon with water. I guess I am hoping this also works."
[YEA] 11/17/2008: Angela from Antioch, California replies: "Amazing, the spasm on my leg from the my sciatica pain have improved after the 3rd day on eating the ginger slices along with some yoga exercise. I eat about 5 to 10 slices a day and I am feeling much better after a week. My last sciatica pain last nearly 2 months which was 2 years ago. It is definitely worth of trying."
07/11/2009: Linda from San Diego, Ca replies: "what about using plain ginger or ginger root tea? For those of us that don't want all the sugar. Is it the ginger or the combination of?"
08/06/2009: Moondancer from Gaffney, Sc replies: "I thought I stumbled across this site by accident, but now I'm not so sure. I've been dealing with pain in my hips and back for years now and nothing seems to help it. Here lately it has gotten worse. I hurt all the time and I can hardly walk without a limp. I was literally at the end of my rope when I stumbled across this site. With nothing to lose I thought I would give the ginger a try so I bought some today. I don't know why, but I have a strong belief that this will work. The true test will be in my martial arts classes....it would be so nice to be able to participate again."
08/07/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca replies: "I would also highly suggest you try oil pulling. I have been in excruciating pain of my hips for 3 years now and within 3 days of oil pulling twice a day I found incredible relief! Also read the oil pulling section."
[YEA] 04/21/2010: Ethel from Prescott Valley, Az replies: "I had extreme sciatica pain. Best I could do for myself was walk because sitting was sooo painful and lying down didn't help much either. I came across this site by accident, thank God. I read about using ginger so I bought some candied ginger and ate about a tblspn size and went to lie down. I was up in 15 minutes and I just wanted to cry! The pain was all but gone for the first time in months!!! Please, if you have sciatica pain, eat ginger! It will help get you through!!!"
[YEA] 03/03/2011: Oliver from New York, Ny/ Usa replies: "I had terrible Sciatica brought on by a new running regime. I tried (I thought) everything- Acupuncture, Chiropractor and was running out of hope. It went on for 2 months plus and would get to the point where my leg would completely seize up. I then did 3 things and within a couple of days I was seeing results and by 2 weeks totally fine.
1- Ginger Slices, this really seemed to help reduce swelling in my lower back
2- Yoga ( I went twice and had great results) I was then able to use the techniques at home- It takes a tiny amount of work compared to the agony of Sciatica
3- Removed my wallet from back pocket when sitting!
I am not sure if all 3 or just 1 cured me, but combined I went from having no hope of cure to complete cure in days.
Everyone will be different, but don't lose hope and try not to spend too much money on treatments when you have some simple options you can try first.
Good Luck everyone, it really sucks."
03/06/2012: Rachael from Orlando, Fl replies: "Just purchased some crystalized ginger to treat some extreme sciatica and lower back pain. I was not at all prepared for how spicy it would be. I was thinking that it was candied and wasn't expecting it to burn a whole in my tongue. Oh well, small price to pay for pain relief, I hope it works. I will post an update in a few days and let you all know how it worked."
[YEA] 04/28/2012: Danamarie from San Marcos, Ca replies: "I was reading the comments on candied ginger for sciatica as well as the other comments regarding potassium rich foods. I did an internet search on the potassium content of ginger and it turns out that ginger is very high in potassium. The ginger has helped aleviate my sciatica pain and so has the tennis shoe tip. I also saw a video online about stretching the "piriformis muscle" which is the muscle the sciatica nerve runs through. Learning how to stretch this muscle has helped. I saw a video on YouTube video that was simple and it didn't hurt me. Anyway, I'm on the road to recovery thanks to all the Earth Clinic people with the willingness to research what is out there and to separate the good from the not so good."
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CHAIR EXERCISE
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[YEA] 07/30/2008: Helen from Austin, Texas: "I get minor sciatic nerve pinches regularly. A woman at a conference showed me a simple exercise, and a massage friend later said that's the exercise he teaches to everyone.
Sit in a firm chair. Cross your knees. Clasp both hands outside the knee and pull it towards it's opposite shoulder (right knee towards left shoulder.) Won't move more than an inch, but you should feel the pull on the side-near back buttocks area.
Do this for 20 seconds every time you sit down, and the pain should be gone in less than a week.
Keep doing it once daily to prevent recurrence.
Actually, doesn't have to be a real firm chair but starting that way helps you feel where the pull should be.
Also, massage guy said, stop sitting so much! And when you sit be sure to get up and move significantly every 45 minutes or so. Chiropractor said "Get a stand-up desk, sitting is unhealthy."
Build times of standing into your day. I made a habit of standing up when talking in the phone. At conferences and friendly meetings I often get up and stand in the back of the room for a while, especially if I had to drive an hour to get there."
[YEA] 11/03/2009: Kim from Coast, Oregon replies: "I've recently suffered from a week of extreme muscle spasms in my back. Upon reading this recommendation, I began the stretching exercises and IMMEDIATE relief was felt after the first stretch. Sit in a firm chair with a straight back (concentrating on proper alignment & posture) and enjoy the benefits of this stretch. This is the first thing to bring relief in almost of week of pure, unrelenting pain.
I knew there had to be more options than massage and bed rest!
Thank you so much for sharing your "effectual" experience!"
[YEA] 09/15/2010: Nikki Jean from Philadelphia, Pa replies: "I want to register a huge YEA for the chair exercise to help ease sciatica pain. It literally took me from excruciating pain to relative comfort in about 10 minutes. THANK YOU. I use this site for everything, but this is the first time I just HAD to write in, because the difference felt miraculous. I'm on a long road trip and not being able to sit was just not an option, thank you again."
[YEA] 03/22/2011: Realeone2 from Ssi, Ga replies: "This works wonders like the chair exercise, I read this awhile back for sciatica, on Dear Abby I think it was-this helped me too. Lie on your back, stretch your toes, pointed as far as you can while stretching your arms over your head as far as you can, release, then stretch again, arms upward and pulling your toes inward. Do this BEFORE you get out of bed in the morning. Also, lie on your back, cross ankle to your knee, push down on knee while pulling in opposite leg, you can feel the burn/pull/release of the buttock area, hence sciatica release! "
03/24/2011: Mesem from Toulon, France replies: "Swimming (over arm and backstroke) and cycling up a good steep hill several times do the same thing and gets your circulation going more than a stretch. You may hurt directly after but the next day you will be fine."
11/02/2011: Ledtocrowe from The Plains, Ohio replies: "thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you"
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COLD SHOWERS
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[YEA] Burness Speakman from Fredericktown , MO: "I read about the cold showers here 3 days ago. I have experienced whole body pain for as long as I can remember. Recently it has become unbearable to try and sleep without double doses of over the counter pain killers. The legs throbbed, prickley needles in the soles of the feet, leg muscle pain, skin pain, hip pain, numbness in the shin area. It was building up for years. I was ready to check myself in somewhere but I do not go to doctors. Anyway to continue. After reading the messages, I went and took a cold shower. This was the afternoon. Just before retiring I took another. This one really affected my body. Gasping and panting but not painful I stayed in the shower. For the first time since I could remember I had a peaceful night sleep. No pain in the legs at all, no numbness, no prickleys. I took three the next day with the same good results at night but with one more added strangeness. My Bowel Movement turned green. Not a dark green a kackie green and I was not constipated as usual. I gathered my bile was flowing. I had come to think I had a gallblader problem years ago but never associated the whole body aches with it. There might be some siatic nerve situation involved also, but I don't know. All I do now is that this seems just short of a miracle for me. I certainly hope it continues, because I don't know if I ever want to take another hot bath again as long as I live. Oh, the energy and high spirits are there too as others reported. Bless you all."
EC: Read more about Cold Showers here.
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EPSOM SALTS
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[YEA] 06/04/2009: Aldo from Brisbane, Australia: "Epsom Salts Worked for Sciatica!
My mother came down with sciatica last week. Immediately she went to see my brother, who is a chiropractor. That helped her a lot but the pain and discomfort was still there for her. Since then she was resting her leg as often as she could and taking pain killers when needing to walk on it for any extended period of time. When I heard about it, I had a look on this site and noticed the epsom salts testimonials. I suggested that she try having an epsom salt bath and to drink a couple of teaspoons of it with a glass of water also.
Well, I called her this morning and my mother was so excited! She said that she had a bath for about 30 minutes (and read a magazine!) with 2 cups of epsom salts on Wednesday night before going to bed. She also drank a glass of water with 2 teaspoons of epsom salts with some honey to improve the taste. She said that she slept so peacefully that night and woke up in the morning with NO PAIN! She was over the moon!
On Thursday, she drank a couple more glasses of water, epsom salts and honey and she plans to have another bath tonight (Friday). There has been no sciatica pain since waking up Thursday morning.
Thank you to Jean and Gwen for posting your results, the good news has now spread to our family too and we are passing it on to others. God Bless."
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[YEA] 03/22/2009: Jean from Los Angeles, California: "I had severe siatica. could not sit or get out of a chair. walking was difficult. I went to a gentle homeopatjoc chiropractor who told me to sit in a hot bath of two cups of epsom salts for 15 minutes. The next morning 90% of the pain was gone. No aspirin. I will do more epsom salts baths until my exercises begin to loosen the muscles which were tight from too much sitting at the computer......"
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[YEA] 02/19/2009: Gwen from Denver, CO: "I have found over the years that I will experience severe sciatica when I am severely constipated. When this happens I pull out the "big guns", Epsom salts. 2-4 teaspoons dissolved in water. Small amount of water followed by as much water as possible after wards. I'll use a straw to drink solution. Put straw to back of tongue beyond taste buds & suck. Taste terrible, but when I am in that much pain I'll do anything to relieve it! You can also add lemon or lime juice to lessen the taste. Pain starts to diminish after first trip to the pot. Works every time & I'm over it in less than 24 hour. Good luck & God/Goddess Bless!"
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EXERCISE AND STRETCHING
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[YEA] 12/02/2008: Lorraine from Derby, Kansas: "Sciatica: Using a Precor stretch trainer does wonders for me. These seem to be available at many gyms including the YMCA. Too much sitting causes flare-ups for me. Getting regular exercise and stretching allows me to do my work (which is sedentary) without pain. My pain used to be so bad that doctors prescribed painkillers. As long as I stretch and exercise regularly, I find that I am pain free."
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GINGER
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[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 12/30/2009: Kathleen from Chicago, Illinois: "The first thing I tried from your site was ginger for sciatica. It has helped get rid of the pain immensely, but not quite gotten rid of it.
I am also taking apple cider vinegar for my high blood pressure. I feel immensely better, but it's too soon for me to say that it's the answer for me. I was prescribed generic (this may be a lot of the problem) Lisinopril which triggered the sciatica for the first time in my life and initially raised my blood pressure! It's been a living you know what for three months.
My next foray for sciatica is Epsom Salts. I usually have it but, of course, am out right now. Wouldn't it be something if that finally got rid of this beast!"
Replies03/06/2012: Monica from Singapore replies: "A chinese osteopath I went to see for my sciatica suggested that I take ginger. I bought some this morning and ate a few pieces. It helped relieve the pain and I have greater mobility and am able to get in and out of bed easier. He also mentioned to avoid all vinegar and anything which has vinegar, all citrus fruits (oranges, lemons etc), all beans and products made from beans including coffee, soy and barley. Also to avoid prawns, spicy foods, beer and milk until the problem goes away."
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PAIN CAUSED BY THE PIRIFORMIS MUSCLE
07/15/2008: Dan from Markham, Canada: "If you have pain in your lower back called sciatica it may be caused by what is called Piriformis muscle -- this might be the cause. This muscle runs from the outer bone of your hip to the lower part of your spine. In some people the sciatica nerve may run right through the Piriformis muscle. When sitting too long this muscle will tighten and become inflamed, causing the sciatica nerve to cause what is called sciatica. The pain will run down your leg to your foot. the Piriformis muscle is there to help you rotate your leg. When your foot is turned to the right the muscle becomes tight and when you turn your foot to the left it becomes stretched."
Replies10/15/2011: Marie from Philly, Pa replies: "Thank you for this info. I googled piriformis muscle and there was a number of videos on how to stretch the muscle. I have been in pain for a number of days. I knew it was my sciatic nerve but not the piriformis muscle. I am sitting here now after I did the stretching from two of the videos on youtube and I feel better. I will do the exercises everyday now that I know what is really affecting my sciatic nerve. My pain was from the lower back, pain especially in my hip, and down to my ankle. My knee was swelling up also. Everything feels calmer now. Thanks again!"
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REMEDIES NEEDED
12/19/2011: The Bird from Powell, Ohio: "I read all these magical cures sounding so promising for healing and went out to buy Black Strap Molasses, crystalized ginger, ACV, sunflower oil, sesame oil for pulling and I tried them all. However, I haven't been able to feel any relief of my sciatica pain, or my trigger finger problem, also very painful. Can someone reassure me here that I should get some result soon? I have been OP for a month, taking molasses for a week only to get diarrhea, nothing else. I have always used a lot of ginger in my cooking, so taking ginger is a natural thing to me; but I still bought the crystalized ginger just to make sure, however, no result. I am very discouraged and frustrated right now! What else is there for me to try?"
Replies12/20/2011: Dud from From The Woods Of, Wv, Usa replies: "The Bird from Powell, Ohio;type the "sciatica" in the search box athe top of the page..... Then click the
button on your keyboard..... this will cause a new web-page to load with a list of search results involving the word "sciatica". Click on a link to to go that page, wait for it to load up, and then read it. Then go back to the search results page again and choose another link to click on, ... And read that page too..... etc etc etc.
In this way, you will discover all of the archived/saved knowledge about sciatica that the earthclinic readers have deposited for knowledge seekers like you.
Now you can take your time and read them at your leisure, and maybe find something useful."
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SHEA BUTTER
01/05/2011: Jeweline from San Antonio, Tx: "I have sciatica, my husband has had 4 back surgeries. We've tried everything--finally tried shea butter used it liberally on areas of concern. Shared some with others--and all want to purchase. Give it a shot--at the very least, your skin will be healthy!"
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STRETCHING
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[YEA] 08/16/2009: Piratejenny23 from Sussex, Nj: "2 Simple Stretches to Relieve Sciatica
I was doing some exercises that were supposed to help increase energy, and I accidentally discovered this simple exercise sequence that cured my sciatica.
I suffered from sciatica for at least 15 years, once or twice a month, for 3 or more days at a time. I tried chiropractors & all sorts of stretching, supplements, etc; nothing helped. I always felt if I could just "pop" that little gumball-sized spot in my pelvis where all the pain started, I would feel great relief.
So all you do is this: a plank position (like a push-up position) with your feet about 12" apart. Hold for several seconds (it may be difficult). Now look up to the ceiling and lower your pelvis until it's just hovering over the floor, and again hold for several seconds. This position is also known as upward-facing dog in yoga.
Just switch between plank & dog several times. ( I believe the article recommended 3 sets of 4). You can rest by doing downward-facing dog.
If you are not strong enough for this, or can't get down on the floor, you could try this bracing yourself against a wall (remember wall push-ups from gym class?).
It may not "work" immediately. I think it took a couple of weeks, then one day as I was getting into my car, my back "popped"! And I have been sciatica-free for years. If I ever feel that tension starting to build, I just do this a couple of times; I truly truly hate push-ups, but it's worth it.
I gave this remedy to a stranger that I was chatting with at a juice bar, and a couple of weeks later we ran into each other again. I didn't recognize her right away, but she almost knocked me over in her eagerness to give me a hug and thank me! I like to pass this along whenever I can...I hope it helps!"
[YEA] 12/23/2010: Elle from Traverse City, Mi replies: "Thank you so much, I've had sciatica on and off frequently for several years. It would just pop up and sometimes it would last a few days, sometimes weeks. Well, I've been dealing with it for a couple days now, so sore it was painful to walk. And I just tried the plank and upward facing dog stretch and it was immediately gone! Thank you thank you thank you! I'm so excited that I don't have to deal with it anymore! I just did each position 4 times alternating back and forth and then a second set and it was 95% better after that!"
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[YEA] 01/24/2009: Debbie from New Plymouth, Idaho: "I have been dealing with sciatica and restless leg syndrome as well as fibromyalgia for quite awhile. My job requires a lot of heavy lifting which irritates everything including my lower back. It is very important to stretch every night before bed to keep the hamstring muscles from tensing up. A couple of stretches that work are
1.- sit on the floor. Cross on right leg over the other with the heel lined up with the knee of the left leg and then twist towards the right. Balance with your arms. Hold for a few seconds and then do it with the other leg;
2.Sit on the floor or in a chair. Clasp your hands over the right knee (leg is bent) and push against your hands and hold. Then put your hands on top of your bent knee and push up against your hands. It seems to align the bones in your hips and work the muscles that are irritating things. Of course you repeat on the other leg."
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STRETCHING, MAGNESIUM
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[YEA] 12/29/2008: Margie from Sparta, Tennessee: "I have suffered with chronic facet syndrome and sciatica for years. At night the pain magnifies when I try to rest. I have found lying on the floor with my legs elevated on the bed or a chair brings relief but nothing compares with the relief obtained from stretching the inner muscles of the thighs. I lay on my back and do the "splits" while supporting my legs on the couch or bed. It is painful at first but I deal with it. When the pain of the initial stretch subsides, I stretch it a little more,etc....The combination of the cold floor, stretching of the muscles, and elevation of the legs help me a lot. I also take magnesium supplements to relax everything...Margie in Tennessee"
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TENNIS BALL TECHNIQUE
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[YEA] 07/10/2008: Earth Clinic : "We have used a tennis ball for severe sciatica pain (from martial arts training), but have a different technique than Russ's tennis shoe remedy.
Lying down on a firm surface (not your bed -- too soft), place a tennis ball under one of your buttocks. Massage your buttock with the ball by using your body weight to shift into a position that will apply pressure to the area. Once you hold an area for about 10-15 seconds, move on to another section. You will be hitting all the acupressure points on the buttock with this technique. Once finished, move the ball to the other buttock and use the same technique to release the tension in that buttock as well. You will be amazed at how many painful pressure points you have in your buttocks - lots!
Be forewarned, this technique is quite painful (perhaps too painful for some people), but it never fails to cure sciatica. When needed, we do it late at night just before going to bed. In the morning the sciatica is gone."
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TENNIS SHOE TECHNIQUE
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[YEA] 07/10/2008: Russ from Farmington, New Mexico: "My name is Russ and I would like to add some information to your web-site, (great web site by the way, I love it). I have a way for people that are suffering from Scyiatica to ease and eliminate their pain. No cost at all, just simply sit on a tennis shoe with the back of the shoe facing forward on a semi firm chair. It hurts at first but the pain subsides. My pain was totally gone with in 2 hours. I believe the way it works is the shoe supports your tail bone allowing your gluts to relax allowing your slipped disc to fall back into place. Works wonderfully well and people will be very grateful for this information."
Replies[YEA] 12/06/2008: Mark from Fort Worth, TX replies: "The tennis shoe technique is working marvelously for me. I've been having pain in my back along the sides that feels like a nerve is 'pinching' whenever I sit down, almost as if I'm sitting on the nerve. Using the tennis shoe technique however, I felt immediate relief. I'm guessing all the pressure of sitting on the center of your body pushes the spine upwards and allows anything trapped to get out of the way. This technique worked where an inversion table failed. Thank you very much for sharing. I have no doubt I'd be having another miserable day if not for this."
[YEA] 08/17/2010: Nancy from La Honda, California replies: "I haven't been able to sit up for 3 days now due to sciatica and I just tried the tennis shoe technique- works *great*!! Like a slender bicycle seat- takes the pressure off the usual sitting areas. THANKS!! And, have tried a host of other remedies from this site, always so many wonderful suggestions. LOVE earthclinic!"
[YEA] 09/04/2010: Katie from Ann Arbor, Mi replies: "Wow, I just read this and tried it right away because my sciatica was on fire (it felt that way anyway) and I did get instant relief in my back, it took a little longer for the leg and foot (my sciatica effects my foot really bad) but definitely cut the pain by 75% or more. Thanks for the tip. I love this site, it is filled with a wealth of information. What works for one person doesn't necessarily works for someone else and here you get several suggestions you can try. Beats what the doc's are doing for people."
[YEA] 01/12/2011: Marie from Philadelphia, Pa replies: "This worked for me. I wasn't sure what was going on, if it was sciatica or something else. The pain was from my lower back down my right leg. My knee was swollen and pain down the side of my calf. I looked on this site and saw the tennis show technique. Found a sneaker and sat on it. I felt better in 20 minutes. The swelling went down but still feel achey. I can't believe some of the things on this site that really work without paying a dime."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/28/2011: Rspdx from Portland, Usa replies: "Thank you so much. I have been bothered with sciatica for the first time ever - a horrible pain going from my buttocks through my ankle - mostly on the right, but some times also on the left. It has been going on for days. It felt like an electrical shock and I was afraid my legs would go out from under me. I tried sitting on the shoe and after only even 10 mins., it was much better. Now I've been sitting on the shoe for close to an hour. I've gotten up and walked around several times and although I can generate a version of the pain if I bend over, it is almost completely gone. Must have something to do with realignment. I am so relieved to find something that helped."
06/24/2011: Jana from Bountiful, Utah Usa replies: "Also try crossing your legs while standing up and then bend over. This action stretchs your hamstring and helps with the sciatica. Hold for about 10 seconds and then repeat with other leg."
12/18/2011: Tony from Feltham, Middlesex replies: "Can you please explain how you sit on the tennis shoe. I understand you place the shoe on the chair with the back of the shoe facing towards the front of the chair. Does the shoe sit between your buttocks or do you just sit the affected buttock on the shoe? Are you actually sitting on the back of the shoe. I don't really understand, please can you help?"
12/18/2011: Mike from Montreal, Quebec replies: "Last summer I made quite a remarkable discovery about getting rid of a major back pain that affected my left leg. It was later determined that I was suffering from sciatica. In my case the problem was chronic and seem to get worse over time. Then the unthinkable happened to me. It got so bad that one morning I was not able to get out of bed and at that point experienced a major panic attack thinking I had contracted some sort of a disease related to the nervous system. That's how bad it really was!!The pain was felt constantly in my left leg and would keep me up most of the night for at least a whole week. Even the strong anti inflammatory and pain killer drugs that my doctor would prescribe was having no more effect on me and as a result I had to live with the constant pain. I even went to a chiropractor as an act of desperation and she made it much worse because the slightest pressure applied on my back would cause severe pain mostly in my left leg.
IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF THIS SITE AND WITH A BIT OF LUCK THAT I FOUND A COMPLETE CURE TO MY BACK PROBLEM. Its now been 5 months since I last had my awful back pains so my self treatment must certainly have worked!!!!
Especially with the fact that in the past 15 years I would not go through a single year without experiencing some degree of chronic back pains.
When I had gone through some unrelated tests using the MRI scanner, I remember the nurse noticing something odd about my back. At that time I decided not to further pursuit this by not asking her what she had noticed about it. To this day I regret I never asked her anything about what she had found.
I now realize that the real problem with back aches is simply the bodies inability to naturally heal itself because of a severe lack of sulfur. IN MY CASE THAT'S ALL IT WAS!!
When I increase my sulfur consumption using supplements and natural food, it took only about 3 complete days before I noticed significant results.
I was shocked when one morning I felt that all the sudden I HAD AN URGE TO STRETCH MY BACK and was even able to lift my left leg up at least 3 feet above the ground.
It seems that what has worked for me is by taking large amount of MSM and RAW RED CABBAGE for a period of 3-4 days.
One of the main reasons I used to keep getting sore back is because of bad sitting posture over very long periods of a time in front of my computer. Also it was because I would stoop often over my car engine for very long periods at a time.
When I hear people experiencing very bad back problems especially related to sciatica then I feel so compelled to tell my incredible story.
I am so happy that my back is now completely cured and can now lead a normal life all thanks to this wonderful site. We are simply just not getting enough sulfur in our diet because as pointed out by many scientists, we tend to overcook our food and furthermore, sulfur is becoming more and more depleted mainly because of our overuse of chemicals.
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VITAMIN C
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[YEA] 02/08/2010: Kathleen from Chicago, Illinois: "Hi,
This is only the second time that I have posted, and I wanted to thank you for your kind words regarding my first post.
I promised that I would update everyone IF I was able to finally conquer sciatica. Well, I DID IT! I said that I was going to try Magnesium as suggested on your site. Didn't seem to help me.
What finally did the trick was "flooding" with Vitamin C per Dr. Frederick Klenner's web site, Doctor Yourself. Please check out the testimonal under Back Pain (at the bottom of that page). Unlike the testimonial, I was not completely out of pain on the fourth day; it took me six days.
I took two grams (2,000 milligrams) every hour I was awake. What I finally figured out was that the man that wrote the testimonial was taking a teaspoon every hour (that's four grams).
Just in case you are concerned at the high level of Vitamin C, it is a water soluble vitamin which the body will throw off if it can't use it. There is no known Vitamin C toxicity to humans.
The reason it worked is very simple. I had a Vitamin C deficiency severe enough to cause sciatica. Wish I had known that before!
What I also didn't realize was that the intermittent backaches that I have had in the last five years or so were also a Vitamin C deficiency and a precursor to the more severe sciatica! I have not had even a hint of a backache since I began treating the sciatica.
I am now on a maintenance dosage of Vitamin C of about 10 grams per day (still working out exact amount) which I will remain on for the rest of my life. You know when the body cannot use the level of Vitamin C that you are taking. You get diarreha and just cut back a bit until you have the right level for you.
This is what is so critical that I learned from the web site and my horrifying experience. Humans, monkeys, guinea pigs, and fruit bats don't produce their own Vitamin C, but without it, we will die. The web site is based on the Linus Pauling branch of medicine named Orthomolecular Medicine. It was Linus Pauling's theory that we probably began our journey in the tropics and had a more than adequate supply of fruits and therefore Vitamin C. At some point, a differential in our DNA eliminated our ability to produce Vitamin C and worked to our advantage (our bodies didn't have to do double duty and produce Vitamin C as long as we had an adequate supply) until we moved out of the tropics. That's when we got into trouble, big, big trouble.
I could go on and on, but I would just like to close with this. Other than knowing that Linus Pauling was the primary advocate for Vitamin C and was marginalized, I didn't know anything about him. He is the only human being that won not one but two Nobel Prizes in two separate areas, the first was Chemistry, and the second was Peace. Also, his work was the basis used to work out DNA! He is probably the most gifted scientist this country has ever produced. So, what was wrong with him? Was he dishonest? Was he not sane? What is going on.
He made the unfortunate choice to advocate for Peace during the McCarthy era and was labeled a socialist. The government went so far as to revoke his passport for a few weeks, but changed their minds so that he could pick up his Peace prize.
The second reason is that the medical establishment including pharmaceuticals have no financial gain in health. There is money in illness; there isn't money in health (sorry, I've forgotten where I read that).
Check Pauling's biography on Wikipedia. Check out Klenner on the front page of Doctor Yourself under the Orthomolecular Medicine link and then History on that site. Klenner worked out that Vitamin C only works in large doses throughout his long, illustrious career.
My primary reason for advocating natural alternatives for myself is safety. It was a blood pressure generic Lisinopril that triggered my sciatica and my descent into an unfathonable Dante's inferno. I will use SAFE alternatives in the future as often as possible.
Good health to everyone this year!"
12/18/2011: Tony from Feltham, Middlesex replies: "Since discectomy/laminectomy procedure 1994 I have suffered terribly with back pain. Mainly now I am suffering with severe sciatic pain. I so wish this website was available to me in 1994. I feel sure I could have cured myself. Unfortunately I trusted the butcher who told me I needed surgery. My disc only showed a slight bulge. These butchers will tell you anything to make some money. Never again will I trust the opinion of a back surgeon. Just wondered if you could share which vitamin C you used to cure your back pain? Taking that amount of vitamin C would surely cause stomach problems? Apparently with normal vitamin C tablets you only absorb about 12%. I've just purchased some vitamin C. It takes sixteen 500mg Vitamin C tablets to equal just one of my 1000mg Vitamin C packets. The technology works so you absorb between 95-98%. I've only been using it a few days and will let you know if it works. Good luck to everyone on this site."
01/21/2012: Missy from Toronto, Ont, Canada. replies: "Reply to 12/18/2011: Tony from Feltham, Middlesex.You are correct to ask what type of Vitamin C to mega dose with. I almost called 911 when I mega dosed with "L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate" Vitamin C.
It's much safer to mega dose with "Calcium Ascorbate" Powder Vitamin C. Especially if one suffers from IBS, Crohns, intestinal or stomach problems.
Having said that, keep in mind that it's calcium rich & could lead to other problems, IF mega dosing for extremely long periods of time. Perhaps Magnesium would off set the calcium mega dose.
Then there is "Sodium Ascorbate" Vitamin C. (I have not tried this one). It's sodium rich which also could lead to problems, IF mega dosing for extremely long periods of time.
Either way, both the Calcium & Sodium Ascorbate are much easier on the stomach & intestines.
Talk to your local health food store to confirm."
[YEA] 05/11/2012: Pat from Calabasas, Ca, United States replies: "Precisely what does vitamin C provide to a person's wellness? Firstly, it provides many health advantages for individuals who ingest this specific vitamin on a steady basis. A pair of the most critical positive aspects of consistent vit c absorption are generally younger skin area as well as healthy gums. Yet another great importance of that vitamin is actually the actual assimilation of mineral, for instance iron, that is essential, specifically for those who find themselves identified for being anemic. People that often ingest this particular vitamin will see how they benefit from speedy recovering of their particular injuries and also cuts. Vitamin C furthermore helps throughout the healing of the defensive cellular lining of a individual's respiratory system areas. Vitamin C will also help people benefit from health and fitness benefits, such as the reduction of lungs complications, for example flu virus, typical cold, along with a number of different lung microbe infections.read more Vitamin C is a great benefit to the body
Individuals constantly link vitamin c together with the health and fitness of a person's defense system. Simply what does Vitamin C deliver to the body's wellness and body's defence mechanism? It will help for the deletion of toxins, that when they are neglected, can create severe chaos of the individual's health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it assists the body's defense system to create consistent and powerful body through frequent detox. Using this type of a procedure, the entire body gets rid of almost all harmful toxins from the body. The liver requires vitamin c in order to help the eliminating of poisons in the entire body."
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