Home treatment for an inflamed sciatic nerve can be done with simple measures such as using cold-heat therapy, applying anti-inflammatory ointment or drinking teas, for example, as they have anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, helping to alleviate pain symptoms and discomfort caused by inflammation in the sciatic nerve, in addition to relaxing the muscles that support the nerve.
Sciatica pain usually appears suddenly and disappears in less than 1 week and can affect the end of the spine and buttocks, in addition to radiating to the back of the thigh and foot, causing a tingling or burning sensation.
Although it does not serve to replace the doctor’s or physiotherapist’s recommendations, home treatment is a good option to help relieve pain and discomfort more quickly, and can be used to complement the treatment recommended by the doctor.
Some home treatment options for an inflamed sciatic nerve are:
1. Do cold-heat therapy
Cold-heat therapy uses ice packs and hot packs to help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles that support the sciatic nerve, improving pain and discomfort.
A good way to use cold-heat therapy is to use an ice pack for the first 7 days and only then use a hot compress. To make an ice pack, you must place ice inside a thermal bag or place the gel bag in the freezer to cool, and then wrap the bag or gel bag in a clean, dry towel and apply it to the affected area, leaving it to act for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
The hot compress should be used after the first week, as this is the time needed for the ice to reduce inflammation in the sciatic nerve. This compress helps to increase 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 to a thermal bag, which must be wrapped in a clean towel applied to the affected 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 in the sciatic nerve as they contain substances in their composition with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, such as salicin or harpagoside, being a good home treatment option for sciatic pain.
These teas are easy to prepare and can be consumed 2 to 3 times a day during a sciatic attack. Learn how to prepare anti-inflammatory teas.
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 reduce inflammation in the nerve and can be used for 3 to 4 times a day, lightly massaging the skin to absorb the ointment.
These ointments can be purchased at pharmacies or drugstores, but another option is to prepare a homemade ointment or poultice with natural ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve sciatic pain.
A good homemade ointment option is arnica ointment, which has helenalin in its composition with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Learn how to prepare arnica ointment.
The eucalyptus poultice helps reduce nerve inflammation, relieving pain quickly, as it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. To prepare the eucalyptus poultice, you must use 5 to 10 eucalyptus leaves that can be boiled with a little water or steamed and, when they are softened, you must place the leaves on a clean, dry cloth and Apply to the region of sciatic pain.
4. Get a massage
Massage can help relieve pain and discomfort in the sciatic nerve, in addition to causing muscle relaxation, a feeling of well-being and reduced stress and should be done on the back, buttocks and legs, preferably by a professional massage therapist.
To improve the effect of the massage, you should use a moisturizing cream or almond, coconut or grape seed oil mixed with 2 drops of a calming or anti-inflammatory essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, on the skin, making movements light and circular. Another option is to use ointments containing capsaicin, which has an analgesic effect, reducing sciatica pain.
5. Perform stretches
Stretching is a great option for relieving the inflammation that causes sciatic nerve pain as it increases the strength of the muscles in the lower back, glutes and thighs, improves hip mobility and flexibility in the lower part of the body and can be done in once or twice a day with gentle movements so that the person feels comfortable and does not cause more pain.
A good way to stretch the sciatic nerve is to sit on the floor with your legs straight and bend one leg, crossing it over the other leg that should remain straight and turning your torso, pulling the bent leg towards 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 only on one side of the body. Check out other stretching options for an inflamed sciatic nerve.
6. Avoid resting for too long
During a sciatic pain crisis, a person should avoid resting in bed whenever possible, as not moving the body can make the pain worse.
Sciatica pain is usually worse at night due to rest, and to help alleviate the pain 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 under your knees. knees.
7. Prefer anti-inflammatory foods
Some foods such as turmeric, broccoli or spinach and foods rich in omega-3 such as tuna, sardines, salmon, flaxseed or chia can help reduce inflammation and, therefore, help relieve sciatic pain.
These foods should be consumed daily or, in the case of fish, at least 3 to 5 times a week. Check out the complete list of anti-inflammatory foods.
