7 Natural Ways To Reduce Sciatic Pain

Have you experienced a reoccurring tingling pain in your lower back? Does the pain extend from your lower back or buttocks to your legs and feet? If you answered yes to these questions, it's quite possible that you are experiencing sciatica, a condition characterized by irritation to the sciatic nerve. 

About 40% of the population experiences this condition at some point in their lives, making it one of the most annoying and obstructive back conditions out there. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can eliminate or at least reduce the pain associated with sciatica. 

Here are 7 ways to naturally reduce sciatic nerve pain. It's time to get your life back! 

SHARE this useful article with your friends on Facebook. So many people suffer from this type of pain. 

This article does not constitute medical advice. If you’re concerned about your health, talk to your doctor.

The sciatic nerve runs from your lower spine all the way down your leg and is notorious for causing enormous pain and suffering for those who inadvertently injure it. 

The vast majority of sciatica cases result from a herniated spinal disc. 

When a disc presses or pinches the sciatic nerve, this pain can start in the lower back and then spread to all the way to your feet. Feelings of numbness can also accompany the condition. 

One unfortunate side of sciatica is that if the pain becomes too severe or lasts for undue periods of time, surgery may be required. 

In a world where kids are prioritized and there seems to be no time in the day for a doctor's appointment, quick, easy ways to reduce sciatic nerve pain are desperately needed.

What if I told you after all of the pain you've had to endure that there are some easy ways to reduce sciatic nerve pain?

1. If you've never tried yoga, you need to get with the times! One incredibly useful yoga pose that is known to alleviate back pain is the cat-cow pose. 

For this pose, get on your hands and knees and follow the movement in the gif provided here. As you arch your back like a cat, exhale at the same time. This pose may elicit some of the sciatic nerve pain on its own. If the pain becomes too much, stop the stretch immediately. Movement will ultimately help with the condition, though. 

2. One other beneficial pose is the sphynx with an open mouth called "lion's breath."

Lay your body flat on the ground and raise yourself up with your elbows against the floor. Opening your mouth wide and sticking out your tongue (lion's breath) can be added as an additional stress release exercise. 

Just to give you a better view of the "lion's breath" part of the pose, here you go.

This is literally what you should do. Seem silly? This technique is well-documented in yoga practice and is even suggested for back pain. 

Don't do this one around the kids, though, they might think you're losing it.

Okay, enough yoga. There are other ways to get at that nerve pain...

3. Go between cold and hot temperatures to soothe the pain. 

Putting an ice pack on your lower back can be beneficial if you need a quick relief from pain. Following up the ice pack with a hot bath can be even more beneficial because the pain originates much deeper than the surface of your skin. 

Some have suggested that hot baths in particular can increase your circulation. Also, it's a great excuse to fill up that glass of wine and take a warm dip.

4. Deep massage. 

In all seriousness, though, a deep massage has been shown to relieve sciatica pain. Now you don't have to feel guilty about having some time out of the house with a scheduled massage!

5. Get sufficient sleep. 

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's no joke. Sleep is essential for restoration to take place in the body. Sciatic nerve pain can go away on its own if the back is maintained properly, and sleep is a necessary part of that healing/therapy.

6. Acupuncture. 

This alternative treatment method has been used to treat pain associated with sciatica and may be a useful option if you are comfortable giving it a try and other techniques are failing to relieve your pain. This one isn't for everyone.

7. Avoid sitting for long periods of time or stand while you work. 

The stand-while-you-work thing may be asking too much, I'll admit. It's hard not to plop on the couch after working from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at a desk job, but even small amounts of extra walking or standing can be beneficial. It has been shown that pain from a herniated disc can be worse when people aren't moving. 

Just know that relief is near!

SHARE this useful article with your Facebook friends who may be experiencing the same symptoms themselves!