Sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, is a radiating pain that travels down the posterior, or back, part of your leg, and it occurs when your sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. One of the most common causes of sciatica, notes MayoClinic.com, is compression of your nerve roots in your lumbar spine, or lower back. Before using nutritional therapies to help treat your sciatica, review relevant procedures, alternatives and risks with your physician.
Sciatica Background Info
There are several characteristic symptoms associated with sciatica, states SpineUniverse.com, including lower back, gluteal, leg and foot pain, shooting pain down the back of your leg that may feel like an electric shock, unusual sensations -- such as burning or tingling -- in your affected leg, leg numbness or weakness, one-sided leg pain or discomfort and pain with certain activities. Sitting, walking, coughing, sneezing and sudden movements may all exacerbate your sciatic nerve pain.
Useful Nutritional Supplements
Numerous nutritional supplements have traditionally been used in treating sciatica and other types of nerve pain, although some of these supplements may require more extensive scientific testing to prove their efficacy in treating this condition. Dr. Russell B. Marz, a naturopathic physician and author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," states that vitamin E, cobalamin, niacin and thiamine may be among the most helpful nutritional supplements in treating nerve pain, including sciatica. White willow, rosemary and licorice may also be beneficial.
Featured Nutritional Supplement
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, may be one of the most commonly used nutritional supplements in treating sciatica. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin, and that thiamine deficiencies may cause numerous health problems, including problems with your nervous, cardiovascular, muscular and gastrointestinal systems. Thiamine helps improve your circulation, encourages proper digestion and helps reduce tingling sensations associated with nerve damage. Thiamine possesses antioxidant action, which helps protect your body from degeneration.
Considerations
Sciatica, though a relatively common health complaint, may be caused by serious underlying pathology that may require intervention by a qualified healthcare professional. To help rule out serious causes of your sciatica, schedule a visit with your primary care provider. Your doctor can counsel you on the merits and drawbacks of various treatment methods, including nutritional supplementation. Do not use nutritional supplements until you have reviewed proper dosage and treatment duration with your family physician.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Sciatica
- SpineUniverse.com: Symptoms of Sciatica
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- Linus Pauling Institute: Thiamin
