Sciatic nerve pain, or simply sciatica, manifests when your sciatic nerve is damaged, compressed or otherwise compromised. PubMed Health states that your sciatic nerve begins in your lower back and travels down the posterior side of your leg. This nerve controls certain muscles in your leg and sensation on the back of your thigh, lower leg and the bottoms of your feet. Sciatic nerve pain may respond to certain herbs, although you should avoid using herbs until you have cleared their use with your physician.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
Most people who experience sciatica get better over time, usually in several weeks or months, notes Spine-Health.com. However, some people may experience sciatic nerve pain that is extreme and debilitating and requires surgical intervention. Possible causes of sciatic nerve pain include disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, spinal canal stenosis or narrowing, tumors of your spinal cord or spinal canal, and osteophytes or bone spurs. Pain, numbness, tingling and weakness are the most common symptoms associated with sciatic nerve pain.
Herbal Relief
Herbs that possess nervine action are among the most effective in treating nerve pain, including sciatic nerve pain. Nervines help calm, soothe or strengthen your nervous system, notes naturopathic doctor and herbalist William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice." Herbs that possess nervine, or nerve relaxant, action include Cimicifuga racemosa, Matricaria recutita, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Scutellaria lateriflora, Piper methysticum, Viburnam opulus, Passiflora incarnata and Piscidia erythrina.
A Commonly Used Herb
Piscidia erythrina, also known as Jamaican dogwood, is a commonly used herb in the treatment of sciatic nerve pain and other types of nerve pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states Piscidia has historically been used to treat nerve pain, nervous tension, sleeplessness, anxiety and migraine headaches. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," notes that Piscidia is a nerve sedative and pain reliever and that this herb also helps relieves muscle spasms.
Disclaimer
Although sciatic nerve pain may self-resolve or be effectively treated using conservative, non-invasive techniques, some causes of sciatic pain may require medical intervention and management. Tumors are a rare, though potentially life-threatening, cause of sciatic pain. If you experience sciatic nerve pain, report it to your doctor as soon as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated. Discuss the use of herbal remedies with your doctor before adding herbs to your sciatic nerve pain treatment plan.
References
- PubMed Health: Sciatica
- Spine-Health.com: Sciatica
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Jamaica Dogwood
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
