Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. Spine-Health.com states that your sciatic nerve travels from each side of your lower lumbar spine through your gluteal region and the back of your thighs to your foot, connecting your spinal cord with the muscles in your legs and feet. Sciatic nerve pain may respond to dietary supplements, although you should always clear the use of supplements with your health care provider before using them for this purpose.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
Sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is a symptom and is not itself a disorder, notes MayoClinic.com. Sciatica is pain that manifests along the path of your sciatic nerve. Most causes of sciatica originate in your lumbar spine, although structures in your gluteal region may also cause sciatic nerve pain. Possible causes of this common health problem include a herniated lumbar disc, degenerative joint disease, spinal fractures, tumors and spinal canal stenosis, or narrowing.
Sciatica Supplements
Certain nutritional supplements have historically been used in treating sciatic nerve pain, although some of these supplements may require more research evidence to determine their efficacy. According to nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certain supplements may help reduce your nerve-related pain, including white willow bark, wood betony, rosemary, licorice, gotu kola and chamomile. Other supplements that may be helpful for this condition include DLPA, MSM and vitamin C with bioflavonoids.
Supplement in Focus
Wood betony may be a commonly used supplement in the treatment of sciatic nerve pain. The University of Michigan Health System notes that wood betony has historically been used in treating numerous types of nerve pain. Wood betony may be particularly helpful in treating the following health problems: sciatic nerve pain, panic attacks, headaches, poor digestion and hyperactivity. If you are pregnant, you should avoid using this dietary supplement to treat your sciatic nerve pain.
Considerations
Sciatic nerve pain is a sign of an underlying musculoskeletal problem that may require the attention and intervention of a licensed healthcare professional. In most cases, the cause of your sciatic nerve pain may be treated using conservative therapies. In other cases, however, your sciatic nerve pain may be caused by potentially life-threatening health problems that require immediate medical assistance. If you develop radiating pain down the back of your leg, meet with your doctor as soon as possible, and avoid self-treating your condition with dietary supplements.
References
- Spine-Health.com: Sciatic Nerve and Sciatica
- MayoClinic.com: Sciatica
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Wood Betony
