Sciatica is a symptom of an underlying condition and not a disease process. It refers to pain that radiates along the course of the large sciatic nerve that travels from the lumbar spine into the buttocks and down the back of the leg into the foot...
Health issues, strains and injuries can cause muscle and nerve pain. Muscle pain is often caused by tension, overuse or muscle damage associated with intense physical work, states MedlinePlus. Nerve pain causes include traumatic injury and certain...
Neuropathic pain can occur in a nerve or group of nerves in either your central or peripheral nervous systems. It can result from an injury, or from a disease, such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, shingles and cancer. Herbs may be...
Opioids, such as morphine and heroin, are addictive drugs that bind to brain receptors and give you a feeling of euphoria. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that acts on the same brain receptors and helps addicts break their drug dependency....
Camphor, eucalyptus and menthol are three essential oils that are used in complementary and alternative medicine to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. Camphor oil is extracted from the leaves, roots or stems of the Cinnamomum camphora...
Arachnoiditis is a chronic inflammation of the arachnoid mater, one of the membranes that covers and protects your brain and spinal cord. If you suffer from this condition, your symptoms may include burning pain, throbbing in your lower back, legs...
Natural remedies for bone diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spinal spondylosis and spinal stenosis are crucial due to the chronic threat to health posed by these conditions. Bone problems can lead to fractures, loss of mobility, and...
Rheumatoid arthritis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints, particularly in the hands and feet. Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA can cause joint destruction from swelling. Rheumatoid...
Cayenne pepper is a chili pepper that belongs to the nightshade family of plants, which includes paprika, tomato and eggplant. The peppers are dried and powdered and used to make hot sauces and add spicy heat to foods, such as Buffalo-style...
Foot massage is an effective method to alleviate or decrease foot pain. Dr. Christopher Chiodo of Harvard University, in his book "Foot Care Basics," includes massage as one of his recommended ways to relieve foot pain, adding that the massage can...
Certain dietary supplements are well known for their pleasing taste. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and other products. Perhaps...
In the United States, 5.4 percent of people ages 12 and over experience depression during any two-week period, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2006. Depression causes you to have a regularly low mood,...
Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from castor seeds. It has a variety of industrial uses, such as producing biodiesel fuel in South America. However, it is better known as a popular folk remedy for ailments such as constipation, muscle and...
Nerve pain and spasms can occur in any area of the body and commonly originate in the back due to disorders of the spinal cord, vertebral column and related structures, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Back pain can be...
Nerve pain, also referred to as neuralgia, can seriously affect your ability to function and lower your feelings of well-being. The exact causes of nerve pain are often unknown, but certain conditions, such as diabetes, nerve damage and pressure...
Eucalyptus oil has a wide variety of therapeutic effects for aromatherapy massage therapists and herbologists. The eucalyptus leaves contain a potent compound called eucalyptol, which has disinfectant and germicidal properties. Eucalyptus oil can...
Hundreds of injuries, illnesses and medical conditions can cause localized pain. Because topical pain relievers are generally safe and associated with few side effects, some people may turn to natural spray-on pain relief products to reduce the...
Muscle pain can be caused by starting a new exercise, pregnancy or by simply going about your daily activities. Pain in the upper leg or buttocks often results from muscle pain in the hamstring or glute muscles. If you're suffering from glute or...
The sciatic nerve is the largest in the body, running from your lower back, through the buttocks and down each leg, and ending at the feet. When this nerve is compressed through a herniated disc or other physical injury, a person can experience...
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that most commonly develop on the legs. They look like blue or red jagged lines on top of the skin, though they are actually located beneath the skin's surface. Most spider veins cause no symptoms, but...
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It consists of 5 nerves that emerge from the lower spine, and resembles a thick, flattened cord. It extends down the back of both legs and into the feet. The sciatic nerve can be as thick as a...
A pinched nerve occurs when extra pressure is placed on your nerves by your bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, a tingling or burning sensation in the affected area and radiating nerve pain. The exact...
The peppermint plant, also known as Mentha x piperita, is a plant native to Europe, although it grows throughout several regions worldwide. This minty plant has a longstanding use as a digestive aid, as well as a remedy for relieving nausea,...
Pain in the arms and legs can have a number of causes, from arthritis to muscle cramps. There are a number of ways you can relieve arm and leg pain without using prescription medications. If you prefer an alternative approach to pain relief, there...
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, including bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. It can occur anywhere in the body. Symptoms include numbness, sharp or burning pain, tingling, muscle...
Salix alba, commonly referred to as white willow bark, is derived from the bark of the willow tree. The use of willow bark for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years. Despite its long history of use, white willow can cause unwanted side...
Muscle rub creams, which usually contain a combination of medicinal or herbal compounds, may help athletes ease symptoms of myalgia, or muscle pain, related to exercise. Muscle rub creams may be applied either before or after exercise to loosen...
If you are a runner or actively participate in sports that involve running and have a pain beginning in the lower area of the buttocks or uppermost back of the leg, you may have proximal hamstring syndrome. The syndrome is typically an overuse...
Fibromyalgia is a disorder marked by chronic pain, especially around specific tender points. Patients may also experience fatigue, insomnia, depression and stiffness in muscles and joints. Doctors don't know the exact cause, but fibromyalgia may...
Pinched nerves usually occur in the neck, but can lead to pain and muscle spasms throughout the upper back and arm. Learn how to treat a pinched nerve in the neck and stay fit in this sports medicine video.
A lumbar strain is basically back pain that could be caused by muscles, nerves, bones, or joints. Get tips and advice on health and medical issues in this wellness video.
Muscle spasms and cramps are often harmless but can accompany serious medical conditions. Learn about spasms and cramps in this medical video.