Your sciatic nerve is located in the back of your leg and is the largest nerve in your body. Sciatica -- pain, weakness, tingling or numbness in the back of your leg -- is indicative of an underlying health problem. Sciatica, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, most commonly manifests in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Certain dietary approaches may be beneficial in treating your sciatica, but it is always wise to check with your doctor before using diet and nutrition to help treat this condition.
About Sciatica
Possible causes of sciatica, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, include herniated disc, spine osteoarthritis, piriformis syndrome, fracture, narrowing of your spinal canal and spinal canal or spinal cord tumors. Common signs and symptoms associated with this bothersome and potentially serious health problem include low back or leg pain that becomes worse with sitting, coughing or sneezing, a tingling sensation in the back of your thigh and decreased lower extremity strength on one side of your body.
Helpful Dietary Practices
Nerve pain, including sciatic nerve pain, may respond to certain foods, including foods that are rich in vitamin B-12, A, C and K, notes Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Vitamin B-12-rich foods may be particularly helpful for this condition, including yogurt, haddock, trout, salmon, fortified breakfast cereals, clams and beef liver. Other beneficial foods in treating your sciatica may include cayenne, nuts and sweet potatoes.
Highlighted Food
Beef liver may be a useful food in treating your sciatic nerve pain or discomfort, due to its high vitamin B-12 content. Low levels of vitamin B-12, notes the Linus Pauling Institute, may cause neurologic symptoms such as numbness and tingling in your extremities, including your legs. Nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," states that beef liver has also traditionally been used to help support immune, heart and bone health.
Warning
Your sciatica may be caused by numerous possible health problems and should always be evaluated by a qualified health care professional. In some cases, the underlying cause of your sciatic nerve pain may be serious and require surgical intervention to prevent further health complications. To better understand the role of diet and nutrition in treating your sciatica, meet with a health care professional who specializes in clinical nutrition.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sciatica
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Sciatica
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
