7 Home Remedies for Inflammation of the Sciatic Nerve

Performing hot-cold therapy, applying anti-inflammatory ointments or drinking teas, for example, are some home remedies for inflamed sciatic nerve, as they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic action that helps relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort caused by this condition, in addition to relaxing the muscles that provide support to this nerve.

Sciatic pain usually arises suddenly and disappears in less than 1 week, and may affect the end of the spine and buttock, apart from radiating to the back of the thigh and foot, causing a tingling or burning sensation. 

Although it does not serve to replace the indications of the doctor or physiotherapist, these home remedies are a good option to contribute to the relief of pain and discomfort more quickly, and can be used to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor. 

Home treatment options for inflamed sciatic nerve include the following:

1. Do hot-cold therapy

7 home remedies for inflammation of the sciatic nerve

Hot-cold therapy is performed by using ice packs and warm compresses to help reduce inflammation and relax the musculature that supports the sciatic nerve, improving pain and discomfort. 

A good way to carry out hot-cold therapy is to use the ice pack for the first 7 days and only then use the hot pack. To do this, place ice inside a heat pack or put the gel compress in the freezer to cool, then wrap it with a clean, dry towel and apply it to the affected region, leaving it on for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. 

On the other hand, the hot compress should be used after the first week, as this is the time necessary for the ice to decrease the inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This compress helps to increase the blood flow in the affected region, accelerates the healing of the sciatic nerve and relaxes the muscles. The hot compress can be prepared by adding hot water in a heat pack, which should be wrapped with a clean towel and then applied to the area for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. 

2. Drink anti-inflammatory teas

Anti-inflammatory teas, such as white willow tea or devil’s claw tea, help relieve pain and inflammation of the sciatic nerve by possessing substances in its composition with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, such as salicin or harpagoside, being an excellent choice of home treatment for sciatica pain. 

These teas are easy to prepare and can be ingested 2 to 3 times a day, during sciatica attacks. 

See more anti-inflammatory teas and how to prepare them. 

3. Apply an anti-inflammatory ointment

Applying an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as diclofenac diethylammonium ointment or methyl salicylate, is a good home treatment option for sciatica, as it helps treat pain and decrease nerve inflammation, and can be used 1-2 times a day, lightly massaging the skin to absorb the ointment. 

These ointments can be purchased at conventional pharmacies; however, another option is to prepare a homemade ointment or poultice with natural ingredients that possess anti-inflammatory properties, to help relieve sciatic nerve pain. 

An excellent option for homemade ointment is arnica ointment, which has helenalin in its composition, with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Learn how to prepare arnica ointment. 

On the other hand, eucalyptus poultice helps to reduce nerve inflammation, relieving pain quickly thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. To prepare it, 5 to 10 eucalyptus leaves should be used, which can be boiled with a little water or steamed and, when soft, should be placed on a clean, dry cloth and applied to the area of sciatica pain. 

4. Have a massage

Massage can help relieve sciatic nerve pain and discomfort, as well as promote muscle relaxation, a sense of well-being and stress reduction, and should be performed on the back, buttocks and legs, preferably by a professional massage therapist. 

To improve the eFor the effect of the massage, a moisturizing cream or almond, coconut or grape seed oil mixed with 2 drops of a soothing or anti-inflammatory essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, should be used on the skin, making light, circular movements. Another option is to use ointments containing capsaicin, as it has an analgesic effect, reducing the pain of the sciatic nerve. 

5. Perform stretching

Stretching is an excellent option to relieve the inflammation that causes sciatic nerve pain, as it allows to increase the strength of the muscles of the lumbar region, buttocks and thighs, and improve the mobility of the hip and flexibility in the lower body, and can be performed once to twice a day with gentle movements so that the person feels comfortable and feels more pain. 

A good way to perform the sciatic nerve stretch is to sit on the floor with the legs extended and bend one leg, crossing it over the other, which should remain straight, and rotate the trunk, pulling the bent leg toward the body. It is important to keep your back straight and you can rest your hand on the floor. Repeat the stretch with the other leg even if the pain is on only one side of the body.

See other stretching options for inflamed sciatic nerve. 

Watch the following video with physical therapist Marcelle Pinheiro with more stretching options for sciatic nerve:

6. Avoid prolonged bed rest

In sciatica pain crisis, the person should avoid staying on bed rest whenever possible, as not mobilizing the body can make the pain worse. 

Sciatica pain is usually worse at night, due to rest. To help relieve it, it is recommended to lie on your side and place a firm pillow between your knees, or try sleeping on your back with a firm pillow underneath your knees. 

7. Give preference to anti-inflammatory foods

Certain foods such as turmeric, broccoli or spinach, for example, and foods rich in omega-3 such as tuna, sardines, salmon, flaxseed or chia, can help decrease inflammation, thus contributing to the relief of sciatic nerve pain. 

These foods should be consumed daily or, in the case of fish, at least 3 to 5 times per week. 

Learn a complete list of foods with anti-inflammatory properties. 

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