Sciatica is the medical term used to describe symptoms due to an injury or pressure on your sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve forms out of the lower spine and branches off into each leg. It’s responsible for controlling muscle movements of the lower leg and the back of your knee as well as transmitting sensations from the soles of your feet, the back of your thigh and portions of your lower legs. While sciatica typically results from an injured or pinched nerve, it may also arise from an underlying medical condition. Natural medicinal proponents claim the topical use of cayenne may help relieve sciatica pain; however, scientific evidence is lacking to fully support this claim.
Active Compounds
Capsaicin is the most active constituent found in cayenne, and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states this compound reduces pain through depleting the chemical, substance P. This neurotransmitter is responsible for transporting pain signals; thus, pain may be temporarily reduced when this chemical is hindered. Preliminary research suggests capsaicin may be a beneficial remedy for cluster headaches, low circulation, psoriasis and arthritis pain.
Sciatica Evidence
The use of capsaicin for sciatica pain is under debate within the scientific community, since human studies have yet to be performed. The “Zhen Ci Yan Jui” or “Acupuncture Research” journal outlines a study performed at the Department of Neurobiology at Tongii Medical University. Researchers found that the topical treatment of capsaicin significantly increased the pain threshold of sciatic nerve pain in rats. Another study published in the January 2008 issue of “Spine” found topical capsaicin prevented mechanical hyperalgesia, pain sensitivity, caused by disc compression in rats. While these findings are promising, further research is required to determine if cayenne can reduce sciatica pain in humans.
Application
There is no official application method or dosing of capsaicin for sciatica pain; however, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests applying a cream or ointment with a 0.025 to 0.075 percent capsaicin concentration up to four times per day. Note that it may take up to seven days for any pain reduction to become evident.
Safety Considerations
Prior to using cayenne for the treatment of sciatica, talk with your doctor to determine its safety. As with any natural treatment, cayenne can cause adverse side effects such as skin irritation, itching or a burning sensation. Do not apply capsaicin if you’re taking ACE inhibitors because topical application of this herb increases your risk of developing a serious cough. Never apply capsaicin onto broken skin.
References
- PubMed Health: Sciatica
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Capsaicin
- “Acupuncture Research” Influence of Capsaicin Treating Sciatic Nerve on the Pain Threshold and the Effect of Acupunture Analgesia of Rats; R. Xu, et al.; 1993
- “Spine (Phila Pa 1976)” Journal; The Role of Capsaicin-Sensitive Primary Afferents in Experimental Sciatica Induced by Disc Herniation in Rats; J.G. Tang, et al.; January 2008
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Cayenne; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
- "MayoClinic.com"; Capsaicin (Topical Route) - Side Effects; August 2011
