Alternative Therapy Options for Sciatica

There are alternative therapies for sciatica rather than prescription medications, injections and surgery. If traditional solutions to sciatica cause you concern, talk with your doctor about trying alternative therapy for sciatica.

About Alternative Therapy for Sciatica – What Is Sciatica?

Your sciatic nerve starts in your spine, runs down through the buttocks and down each leg. According to the Mayo Clinic1, sciatica is a symptom of another problem causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can cause pain, tingling or numbness down the back and into one or both legs.

Traditional Treatment or Alternative Therapy for Sciatica?

Although sciatica can go away on its own within a few weeks, your doctor may prescribe treatment. If sciatica persists, surgery mat be recommended. Any back surgery, even for sciatica comes with risks, including the need for further surgeries. Before giving in to extreme traditional treatments, why not try alternative therapy for sciatica?

My husband has this condition due to a bulging disk pressing on his sciatic nerve. We are currently trying different alternative therapies for sciatica. With his doctor’s advice and our own research into the topic, here are five alternative therapy for sciatica solutions you may want to try.

Alternative Therapy for Sciatica Option #1

Physical Therapy . Physical therapy as an alternative therapy for sciatica begins by teaching the patient how to move correctly. If sciatica persists, the physical therapist may teach the patient special exercises. These help the patient keep the spine in a neutral position while performing their daily tasks. My husband received physical therapy, but it is more persistent, so we have moved on the to the next alternative therapy for sciatica.

Alternative Therapy for Sciatica Option #2

Osteopathy. Osteopathy as an alternative therapy for sciatica involves manipulation of the bones, muscles and connective tissues involved in the affected area. This is more intensive than physical therapy, as the osteopath actually has to move body parts slightly beyond normal range of motion to obtain the desired effect. My husband has been to one appointment so far, but seems to be encouraged by this alternative therapy for sciatica.

Alternative Therapy for Sciatica Option #3

The Alexander Technique or The Feldenkrais Method. These alternative therapies for sciatica use ways to retrain your body’s movements. The Alexander Technique teaches you to use your body with less effort. The Feldenkrais Method teaches you to improve your ability to move. You can learn more about these alternative therapies for sciatica at Sciatica.org².

Alternative Therapy for Sciatica Option #4

Herbal Remedies and Over-the-Counter Supplements. As an alternative therapy for sciatica, my husband is using a product that contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. His doctor recommended this to help him regain ease of movement to reduce pressure on his sciatic nerve.

There are also herbs that may be useful as alternative therapy for sciatica. Salicylate herbs include white willow bark and meadowsweet. Boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to reduce pain and stiffness. Devil’s Claw is supposed to be helpful for pain in joints; it’s effects are thought to be similar in effectiveness as cortisone. Other anti-inflammatory herbs include matricaria, turmeric and evening primrose oil. You can research herbs at Reference Guide for Herbs³ as alternative therapy for sciatica.

When using herbal remedies as an alternative therapy for sciatica, always check with your doctor or pharmacist for possible side effects and drug interactions. Some of these herbs can thin your blood as well. Many herbs should be avoided during pregnancy or nursing.

Alternative Therapy for Sciatica Option #5

Exercise. Although you should avoid exercise at first as an alternative therapy for sciatica, it is recommended not to rest more than two days. Inactivity and decreased movement can make sciatica symptoms worse. It is best to start with mild stretching of the back and legs.

To continue with exercise as an alternative therapy for sciatica, you may add yoga, pilates or low impact aerobics to stretching. Core strengthening exercises are helpful once sciatica pain has been reduced.

As my husband’s doctor told him, if sciatica is accompanied by a sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, consult your physician immediately.

THIS ARTICLE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT REPLACE THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN.

1) The Mayo Clinic; Sciatica; Bing Health Articles

2) Sciatica.org; Achieving Maximum Function and Minimal Pain; Sciatica.org

3) Realtime.net; Reference Guide for Herbs; realtime.net