Sciatica is a condition in which your sciatic nerve -- the largest nerve in your body -- becomes irritated or inflamed, causing pain that radiates down your posterior thigh, which is the back of your leg. Sciatica, notes the Spine Health website, may cause pain in numerous parts of your body, including your lower back, gluteal region and lower leg. Your sciatica may respond to nutritional support, but you should always exercise great caution when using nutritional supplements.
About Sciatica
Sciatica is most common in people between 30 and 50 years of age, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. There are many possible causes of sciatica, including lumbar disc herniation, degenerative joint disease and infection. Possible signs and symptoms associated with sciatica include one-sided buttock or leg pain, numbness or tingling in the back of your leg, leg or foot weakness, and a sharp pain that may impair your ability to walk or stand.
Nutritional Support
Numerous nutritional supplements have been used for supporting the health and function of your nerves, including your sciatic nerve. Some of the most powerful nutritional supplements for this health purpose, notes Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," include St. John's wort, butterbur, meadowsweet, Jamaican dogwood and willow bark. Rosemary, catnip and licorice may also be beneficial. Not all nutritional supplements historically used to treat sciatica may be backed by scientific research.
A Helpful Nutritional Supplement
St. John's wort may be one of the most helpful nutritional supplements for treating your sciatica. According to naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," St. John's wort has traditionally been used for treating neuritis, or nerve pain and inflammation, spinal tenderness and depression. St. John's wort may also be helpful for treating multiple sclerosis, shingles and brain concussion. The flowers, leaves and stems of the plant are incorporated into nutritional supplements.
Additional Information
Sciatica is a bothersome -- and often painful -- condition that may be caused by numerous factors. If you develop sciatic nerve pain, schedule an appointment with your family physician as soon as possible. Some causes of sciatica may lead to serious health complications if they are not addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion. Before taking nutritional supplements for sciatica, review procedures, alternatives and risks with your primary care provider.
References
- Spine Health: What You Need to Know About Sciatica
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sciatica
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
