Sciatica is a condition that is characterised by pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down through your hips and legs, gets irritated or compressed. It's the thickest and longest nerve in your body and when it is affected, it leads to a sharp, shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks or down the legs. Some people might also experience tingling, numbness, and weakness of muscles.
Sciatica is usually caused by a problem in the spine (herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease) which puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. It may also be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or prolonged sitting.
True Sciatica: This happens when the sciatic nerve itself is directly compressed or irritated by conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Sciatica-like Conditions: These are conditions that cause Sciatica like symptoms but don't involve direct compression of the sciatic nerve. For example, muscle spasms or pelvic injuries may mimic Sciatica pain.
Sciatica symptoms may include mild to severe pain and sometimes muscle weakness or loss of bladder control. If left untreated, Sciatica may become chronic. It is important to seek treatment from an Ayurvedic physician to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Sciatica occurs for many different reasons and understanding the cause is important for finding the appropriate Ayurvedic treatment. The pain is caused by an irritated or compressed sciatic nerve, usually by a problem in the spine or surrounding tissues.
The most common reasons for Sciatica are given below :
Herniated/Bulging Disc: A disc in the spine may slip out of place and press against the sciatic nerve. This is one of the most common causes of Sciatica.
Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which may compress the nerves including the sciatic nerve, leading to discomfort and pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease: The discs between the vertebrae can wear down with age, leading to decreased cushioning. This might cause irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Spondylolisthesis: This happens when a vertebra slides forwards over another, injuring the sciatic nerve and leading to discomfort in the lower back and legs.
Foraminal Stenosis: This happens when small holes through which the spinal nerves exit become narrowed, pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Muscle Spasms: Tight muscles in the lower back or buttocks may press the sciatic nerve and cause Sciatica-like pain.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents or falls can directly damage the spine or muscles causing Sciatica.
Pregnancy: The extra weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can cause sciatic nerve pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA): The wear-and-tear of joint cartilage may lead to bone spurs that press on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
Sciatica affects everyone differently and its signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. The pain generally radiates from the lower back and could spread to one or even both legs depending on which sciatic nerve is affected.
The most common Sciatica symptoms and signs are:
The most common symptom of Sciatica is a shooting pain down the leg, referred to as an electric shock or burning sensation. It may originate in the lower back or buttocks and spread down the leg.
Sciatica sometimes causes numbness in the back or leg. This happens if the nerve is too compressed or irritated.
Sciatica may cause weakness in the affected leg and lead to difficulty walking, standing or lifting the leg. This happens when nerve signals are not reaching the muscles correctly.
Sitting for long periods, coughing, standing and even sneezing can make Sciatica pain worse. The pain may also radiate when bending or lifting the legs when lying down.
Even though the pain typically radiates down the leg, it may also originate in the lower back or buttocks and feel like a dull pain or constant discomfort.
Sciatica can make it harder to move or do everyday tasks like walking, bending, or sitting comfortably. The pain may be constant or sometimes intermittent.
Sciatica typically affects just one side of the body but may involve both sides if the problem affects both sciatic nerves.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Sciatica using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically prepared blends of herbs to rebalance the body and promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Simple practices which help you relax to improve mental health, stress reduction, and general well-being.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Natural treatments such as Panchakarma and therapeutic massages to cleanse the body, restore balance and improve emotional health.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes: Expert guidance on changes in your diet and daily habits to support better physical and emotional health.Ayurvedic Medicines for Sciatica
Ayurveda offers a number of natural remedies for managing Sciatica, to reduce inflammation, pain, and help with muscle strength. These natural remedies work on balancing the body’s energy system (Vata dosha, which is imbalanced in Sciatica).
Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo): Nirgundi is an anti-inflammatory herb used in Ayurvedic treatments to ease pain and swelling. It relaxes the muscles and also reduces nerve irritation and Sciatica pain.
Bala (Sida Cordifolia): Bala is believed to relax the nervous system and is often used to reduce inflammation and increase flexibility. It's especially useful for muscle pains and discomforts, especially for Sciatica patients.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation and detoxify the body, which supports healing in Sciatica.
Eranda (Castor Roots): Castor oil from Eranda plant is used in Ayurveda for relieving pain and inflammation. It is applied externally as a warm oil massage on the lower back and legs to help with muscle stiffness and pain.
Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to control joint pain and inflammation. It also strengthens bones and muscles, which helps ease Sciatica-related pain.
Rasna (Pluchea Lanceolata): Rasna is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps relax muscles and also reduces swelling and pain from Sciatica.
Jambira (Lemon): Lemon is known to cool and soothe inflammation. Additionally, it helps improve circulation and also supports tissue repair, which helps with Sciatica pain.
Masha (Black gram): Black gram provides nourishment for muscles and joints and relieves muscle strains and nerve pain. It's used in Ayurvedic preparations for boosting muscle strength and relieving Sciatica pain.
Sciatica is usually caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or chronic disc disease. Other causes include muscle strain, poor posture, obesity, injuries and pregnancy. Any of these can put pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain.
Yes, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body’s energy system. Managing your weight, exercising regularly, maintaining correct posture and managing stress can help avoid Sciatica. Ayurvedic herbs like Nirgundi and Bala also help reduce inflammation and keep muscles and joints flexible.
To control Sciatica, practise good sitting and standing posture. Avoid sitting for long periods, and take breaks to stretch. Regular gentle exercises and yoga can increase muscle flexibility and strength. A varied diet high in anti-inflammatory foods may also help with Sciatica pain.
In Ayurveda, Sciatica diagnosis is based on a thorough examination of your body type (dosha), lifestyle and symptoms. An Ayurvedic practitioner will check your pulse, tongue and physical condition to find imbalances and recommend treatment for your specific Sciatica type.
Ayurvedic herbs are generally safe if taken with other medicines. However, it is important to get professional advice beforehand as some herbs may interact with other prescribed medications.
The time to show improvements is dependent upon the seriousness of Sciatica and the person's health condition. In general, relief from Ayurvedic herbs and treatments such as oil massages and lifestyle changes can be seen within a few weeks to months, if regularly used.
In Ayurveda, diet is regarded as extremely essential in Sciatica treatment. Anti-inflammatory food like ginger, turmeric and ghee ease swelling and pain. A diet loaded with fruits, whole grains, vegetables and good fats promotes a healthy body and prevents further injury.
Yes, yoga can help with flexibility, strengthening muscles and reducing back and leg tension. Some yoga poses like the downward dog, pigeon pose, and child's pose can be used to stretch and relieve the sciatic nerve pressure.
Yes, Sciatica can become chronic if left untreated or managed improperly. Persistent nerve irritation or muscle weakness may lead to chronic pain and complications. Early intervention through Ayurveda can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic and improve long term outcomes.
Ayurvedic oil therapy with castor oil or Moringa oil may relieve Sciatica symptoms. These oils are massaged into the affected area to reduce inflammation, relax muscles and promote healing. Warm oil therapies promote circulation and ease nerve pressure.
Yes, Ayurveda uses anti-inflammatory herbs such as Nirgundi, Punarnava and Rasna to lessen inflammation. These herbs are often used in herbal formulations or oils therapies to soothe the affected area, heal, and decrease Sciatica pain.
Yes, stress can cause increased muscle tension and inflammation that contributes to Sciatica symptoms. Stress also can worsen pain perception. Ayurvedic practices like meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques help reduce stress and promote mental and physical wellness which can help with Sciatica pain.
