This blog explains homeopathy for sciatica, its causes, symptoms, risk factor, management & best medicines.
The sciatic nerve is the longest and one of the most important nerves in the human body.
It is responsible for controlling and sensing the legs.
The sciatic nerve begins at the spinal cord and runs through the hips and buttocks then gets divided into two branches each in different legs.
When this nerve gets irritated a condition develops known as sciatica.
It produces moderate to severe pain in the back, hips and legs.
A sensation of weakness, burning and sharp pain along with numbness in these parts of the body.
Sciatica is a symptom caused by an underlying injury to the sciatic nerve or injury to an area that affects the nerve, for example, vertebrae, bones in the neck and back.
Let’s discuss different aspects of sciatica in detail.
Sciatica Types
Sciatica can be of different types depending upon the duration of symptoms and involvement of the legs.
Let’s take a look at different types of sciatica.
Acute sciatica:
Acute sciatica is a sciatic pain of recent onset, within 4-8 weeks of pain along the course of the sciatic nerve.
This pain can resolve on its own without requiring any medical treatment.
Chronic sciatica:
Sciatica pain and symptoms that occur over more than 8 weeks.
This does not resolve on its own and needs medical intervention.
It may require surgical or non-surgical treatment depending upon its cause.
Alternating Sciatica:
Alternating sciatica affects both legs alternatively.
This type of sciatica is not common. It can be caused by a degenerative process in the sacroiliac joint ( in the joint in the back).
Bilateral sciatica:
Bilateral sciatica is a sciatic pain that occurs in both legs together.
This type of sciatica is caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae ( small bone in the spinal cord) or at disc levels at different locations in the spine.
It can also occur due to serious problems such as “cauda equina syndrome”.
Wallet sciatica:
It is a special term given to the sciatic pain that occurs while sitting on the wallet (or any other object) in the back side of the pocket of pants/trousers.
Sciatica Causes
Sciatica is caused by several conditions that affect the sciatica nerve running along the back.
It may also be caused by injury, falling, sciatic nerve tumors or spinal tumors.
Herniated disc:
The spine consists of several small spinal bones. These spinal bones are separated by discs made up of cartilages.
The cartilage is filled with a thick, clear substance to maintain flexibility.
It also helps in cushioning while the body moves.
When the layers of cartilage rip then the disc herniation develops.
The substance that is filled in the space between two spinal bones bulges outside or can completely spill outside.
This created pressure on the sciatic nerve which is responsible for the pain and numbness in the legs.
Spinal stenosis:
Spinal stenosis is also known as lumbar spinal stenosis.
It is a condition that causes abnormal narrowing of the lower spinal cord.
This narrowing puts pressure on the sciatic nerve and causes the symptoms of sciatica.
Spondylolisthesis:
Spondylolisthesis is a degenerative disc disorder.
When one spinal bone extends and moves over another, it puts pressure upon the sciatic nerve causing pain, numbness and other symptoms of sciatica.
Piriformis syndrome:
In this condition, a muscle (known as piriformis muscle, which connects the lower portion of the spine to the thighbones) involuntary contracts or tightens causing compression on the sciatic nerve.
It is a rare disorder of neuromuscular origin. It causes pain on sitting down for a long time.
It is caused by injury such as a car crash.
Sciatica Symptoms
Pain starting from the lower back and extending towards the hips and lower limbs is the main symptom of sciatica.
Sciatica is a result of damage to the sciatic nerve caused by injury or other associated conditions.
Let’s discuss the symptoms one by one.
Pain that gets worse due to motion or any movement.
A sensation of burning, numbness and weakness in the legs or feet ( along the path of the sciatic nerve).
In severe cases, a loss of sensation or feeling may occur in the affected part.
A sensation of pins and needles along with painful tingling in the feet.
In rare cases of sciatica caused by cauda equina syndrome, the patient may suffer from an inability to control the bladder and bowel.
Risk Factors for Sciatica
Certain risk factors increase the chances of getting affected by sciatica.
Let’s take a look at them in detail.
Age:
The older age group ( due to an increased tendency to wear and breakdown is more prone) to getting sciatica.
Lifestyle:
Some people have to put a lot of strain on their back such as heavy lifting, sitting for long hours, twisting moves etc.
This puts them at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Diabetes:
Diabetes causes nerve damage. It can be responsible for the development of sciatica.
Smoking:
It causes disc degeneration. The outer layer of spinal discs breakdowns due to smoking.
Being overweight:
Obesity increases the chances of developing sciatica.
Diagnosis for Sciatica
The doctor may take the complete medical history and ask about symptoms in detail.
He may perform a physical examination to check the spine conditions and muscle strength.
Based on the symptom history and physical examination the doctor may advise certain diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Spinal X-ray:
X-ray helps to determine spinal fracture, disc problems, infections, bone spurs and tumours.
MRI:
MRI helps to evaluate detailed images of bones and soft tissues of the back.
It can show pressure on the nerve, disc herniation, and arthritic conditions. It helps to confirm the diagnosis.
CT Scan:
It can visualise the condition of the spinal cord, vertebrae, and discs in detail. It helps to make a diagnosis.
Electromyography:
It helps to examine the response of the muscles to the sciatic nerve.
Myelogram:
It helps to determine whether the vertebrae or disc is causing the pain.
Sciatica Management
There are some tips and tricks that will help to reduce the pain and other symptoms.
Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Cold compress:
Ice packs ( wrapped in a towel) can be used to relieve the swelling and ease the pain.
Hot fomentation:
Hot packs or heating can also be used to relieve pain.
A cold compress should be used for the first 2-3 days. After that, a hot pack is useful.
It relaxes the muscles and helps in reducing the pain.
Alternating ice and heat packs can also provide relief.
Stretching:
Gentle stretching can be helpful for sciatica patients.
Stretching should be done under the guidance of a therapist or yoga trainer.
Online tutorial videos may help. Make sure to do it under an expert’s supervision.
Avoid living a sedentary life:
Living a sedentary life can add to the problem. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, regular exercise and physical therapy.
Homeopathy for Sciatica – Best Medicines
Homeopathy offers a wide range of medicines to treat sciatica.
There are many beneficial remedies with wonderful healing powers that can help to relieve the symptoms.
Let’s discuss the top remedies for sciatica in homeopathy one by one in detail.
1. COLOCYNTHIS: For sciatica on the left side
Symptoms:
Colocynthis is one of the top medicine indicated for sciatica in homeopathy.
It is helpful to relieve the contraction in muscles of the hip, thigh and legs.
The patient feels as if all the limbs are drawn together.
There is cramp-like pain in the hip region which extends to the knees.
There is stiffness of the joints with shortening of the tendons.
The patient suffers from spontaneous dislocation of the hip joint.
The pain is drawing and tearing in nature. The symptoms are better by pressure and heat.
The symptoms get worse with a gentle touch. The patient experiences pain down the right thigh.
Muscles and tendons feel too short.
There is numbness and pain from the back extending to the hip, thighs, knees and feet.
The left knee joint is mainly affected.
Potency and dosage:
Colocynthis 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Colocynthis 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Colocynthis in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
2. MAGNESIA PHOS: For sciatica on the right side
Symptoms:
Magnesia phos is a great homeopathic remedy for the treatment of sciatica patients.
It is helpful to treat sciatica on the right side. The patient complains of cramps in the calves.
The back, hips, thighs, knees and feet feel very tender.
There is twitching and darting pain. The patient feels weakness in the affected parts.
The fingertips feel still and numb. When these symptoms match, Magnesia phos is the most suitable choice.
Potency and dosage:
Magnesia phos 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Magnesia phos 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Magnesia phos in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
3. GNAPHALIUM POLYCEPHALUM: For sciatica with numbness alternating with pain
Symptoms:
Gnaphalium is a wonderful remedy to treat sciatica symptoms.
The patient experiences intense pain along the sciatic nerve. The pain alternates with numbness.
There is pain in the calves and feet when the patient is in bed.
There are rheumatic pains in the ankle joint and legs. There is frequent pain in the calves and feet.
The symptoms are better by drawing limbs up or flexing the thigh on the abdomen.
The patient suffers from chronic rheumatism of the back and neck.
Potency and dosage:
Gnaphalium 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Gnaphalium 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Gnaphalium in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
4. VALERIANA OFFICINALIS: For sciatica worse on standing
Symptoms:
Valeriana is helpful for the treatment of sciatica in patients whose symptoms get worse on standing and resting on the floor.
There is a constant jerking of the extremities. there is heaviness in the affected parts.
The patient complains of pain in the heel when sitting.
The symptoms are better on walking.
Potency and dosage:
Valeriana Officinalis 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Valeriana Officinalis 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Valeriana Officinalis in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
5. VISCUM ALBUM: For sciatica with tearing pain
Viscum album is useful for the treatment of patients who experience sciatica with tearing pains.
The symptoms get worse in the bed. The pain alternates in the knees and elbow ith shoulder and joints.
There are tearing and shooting pains in both the thighs.
The patient feels periodic pain from the back to the thighs.
There is compressive pain in the feet.
Potency and dosage:
Viscum album 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Viscum album 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Viscum album in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
6. RHUS TOX: For sciatica better by motion
Symptoms:
Rhus tox is a leading remedy for sciatica symptoms better by motion.
There is a hot and painful swelling of the joints. The symptoms get worse on resting and setting.
There is tearing pain in the back, thighs, knees and feet.
The affected part feels stiff and paralyzed.
The symptoms of sciatica are aggravated by cold, damp, wet weather and at night.
The patient experiences numbness in the affected part after overwork.
Tenderness is present in the knee joints. There is tingling in the feet.
Potency and dosage:
Rhus tox 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Rhus tox 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Rhus tox in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
7. KALI IOD: For sciatica worse lying on the affected side
Symptoms:
Kali Iod is a useful remedy for sciatica patients who cannot stay in the bed.
There is severe pain in the affected parts. The patient becomes sensitive to touch.
The symptoms are worse at night and in damp weather.
The patient experiences pain in the back, hips and tailbones.
Lying on the affected part makes the symptoms worse.
A sensation of insects is crawling in the lower limbs on sitting which gets better on lying down.
Potency and dosage:
Kali Iod 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Kali Iod 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Kali Iod in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
8. ARNICA: For sciatica followed by trauma
Symptoms:
Arnica is a very popular homeopathic remedy for muscle and joint pain.
It is a very useful remedy for patients with sciatica in which the disease is caused by an injury.
Injury to the spine, or the sciatic nerve by falling, heavy lifting or other accidents.
The patient feels as if bruised or beaten. The back feels as if sprained and bruised.
The patient feels soreness after overexertion. Everything on which the patient lies seems too hard.
The patient cannot walk erect on the account of bruised pain in the pelvic region.
The symptoms become worse at least touch or motion.
The complaints are better by lying down.
Potency and dosage:
Arnica 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Arnica 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Arnica in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
9. HYPERICUM: For sciatica caused by injury to the sciatica nerve
Symptoms:
Hypericum is a great remedy for sciatica caused by injury to the sciatic nerve.
There is cramp-like pain in the affected areas. The patient feels a crawling sensation in the hands and feet.
There is a lancinating pain in the affected areas.
The patient suffers from a tingling, burning pain with numbness from the back to the feet.
Potency and dosage:
Hypericum 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Hypericum 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Hypericum in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
10. BRYONIA: For sciatica with swollen joints worse by motion
Symptoms:
Bryonia is a well-known homeopathic remedy for the treatment of sciatica worse by motion.
The affected parts feel stiff and painful. The joints become red and swollen.
There is stitching and tearing pain worse by motion.
Every spot becomes painful on pressure. There is a constant movement of the left arm and left leg.
Potency and dosage:
Bryonia 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Bryonia 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Bryonia in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
Remember that homeopathic remedies should be prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.