7. Topical Ointments
Rather than pain relievers taken orally, many sciatica patients prefer to apply a topical pain relieving ointment directly to the inflamed area. These pain relieving gels (usually called analgesics) often contain menthol, an ingredient that blocks pain receptors and relaxes stiff muscles.
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8. Back Support Aids
If you sit all day long in an uncomfortable office chair, you’re only exacerbating the sciatic nerve and causing greater inflammation and stiffness. It’s worth investing in a desk chair with sturdy support and a balanced surface to promote posture while reducing pressure on the lower back and upper buttocks.
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9. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy in combination with massage will loosen tense muscles, encourage blood flow, and promote fuller range of motion and flexibility. Physical therapies will prescribe specific exercises and postures to lessen chronic sciatic nerve pain.
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10. Hydrotherapy
Applying heat with a heating pad is alright but immersing your sore body in a hot tub or Jacuzzi bath is heaven. Hydrotherapy not only lessens muscle stiffness and inflammation, but also actually promotes circulation, which will help soothe chronic sciatic muscle spasm.
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11. Chiropractic Care
As mentioned in the introduction, sciatic nerve pain can sometimes be caused by a slipped or herniated disc. If that’s the case, then seeing a chiropractor may be one of the best remedies for relieving pain.
In fact, the Official Journal of the North American Spinal Society published a study that involved 102 adults with sciatic nerve pain. Dr. Axe explains that the study found that “those who received chiropractic adjustments experienced less local pain, fewer number of days with pain, and fewer cases of moderate or severe pain compared to people who didn’t receive adjustments.”