Your sciatic nerve begins in your low back and travels down your buttocks and into your legs. Sciatica occurs when this nerve become inflamed, irritated or compressed. You may experience pain that radiate to your hips, legs, feet and buttocks as well as tingling, impaired movement, numbness and muscle weakness. While sciatica should be examined by a physician, certain vitamins may be able to help alleviate discomfort caused by sciatica.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine -- or vitamin B-6 -- belongs to the vitamin B complex, a group of eight vitamins that aid in the metabolizing of food into energy sources that can be used by your body. Vitamin B-6 aids in the production of red blood cells and also plays a roll in protein synthesis, according to "The Vitamin Book." As a result, vitamin B-6 is able to help relieve nerve pain, numbness and tingling. Protein synthesis also aids in the repairing of injured nerves. Vitamin B-6 also helps your body to produce dopamine and serotonin -- two neurotransmitters that help to support the workings of your nervous system. Vitamin B-6 can be found in a number of food sources -- including wheat bran, chicken, soybeans, peanut butter, beans and spinach.
Folic Acid
Also referred to as vitamin B-9, folic acid helps to increase the production of red blood cells in your body, helps cells to reproduce and supports the synthesis of DNA. Cell reproduction and DNA synthesis can help repair damaged nerves, increase your muscle strength, improve coordination and relieve pain. Folic acid can also help to protect your sciatic nerve from further damage and future injuries. There are a number of foods rich in vitamin B-9, including orange juice, liver, mushrooms, whole grains, beans, peas and broccoli.
Cobalamin
Cobalamin is also known as vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in the function of your nervous system. This vitamin aids in cellular reproduction, notes "The Vitamin Book." Cellular reproduction can help to prevent permanent nerve damage, improve the functions of your nerves and neurotransmitters, strengthen weak muscles, give you better control over muscle contractions and help to decrease inflammation around your sciatic nerve. Decreased inflammation can help reduce pain in your back, buttocks and lower extremities. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include salmon, beef, eggs, liver, lamb, lobster and liver.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid -- or vitamin C -- is a powerful antioxidant that can help to support the health of your immune system as well as repair damaged structures in your body -- including nerves, muscles and tissues. Vitamin C can help prevent free radicals from attacking your sciatic nerve, which could lead to permanent nerve damage. Vitamin C can also help to improve the function of your nervous system, decrease inflammation and help to decrease your recovery time. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of foods, including oranges, cantaloupes, cherries, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli and potatoes.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- KidsHealth; Vitamins; Mary L. Gavin, M.D.; January 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Sciatica
