3 Natural Pain Relief Options for Sciatica

Sciatica is an inflammatory condition of the lower back that's caused by a slipped disc resulting in nerve pressure. It's a painful condition that can impact on your ability to carry out normal daily tasks, such as dressing and shopping, and it can also leave some sufferers unable to work due to being unable to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed to treat sciatica, but these drugs aren't always effective and they can cause undesirable side-effects in some people. If you're looking for natural ways to bring relief from the pain caused by sciatica, consider these three options:

Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin cream is widely used as a natural pain reliever. Capsaicin is a natural anti-inflammatory derived from chillies, and it doesn't have any serious side-effects. When applied to your lower back, it temporarily blocks pain signals generated by the nerve endings around your spine from being transmitted to your brain. Topical capsaicin is inexpensive and can be bought from health stores and some pharmacies.  

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a fast and effective drug-free treatment option for the temporary relief of pain. Low-voltage electrical currents are transmitted from a portable machine to the site of your pain via thin wires with pads attached to them. You simply place the pads on your lower back and turn the machine on. The benefit of using a TENS machine is that the temporary pain relief it provides can allow you to feel able enough to carry out some gentle exercises that can help loosen the muscles in your back, free the pinched nerve and build strength in the surrounding tissue. A physiotherapist can show you how to do targeted exercises for sciatica.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils to relax your muscles and release tension. In addition to the soothing benefits of the massage itself, you can opt for essential oils that are considered to have natural pain-relieving properties, such as rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus. When scheduling a massage, opt for a therapist who has experience of working with clients who have sciatica and always disclose the condition before the therapist works on your body.

These are just a few examples of the natural pain relief options that are available for sciatica. You may have to try a few different approaches before you find a treatment that works for you; local pain relief treatment clinics can help you narrow down your options.