Sciatica - Conventional Versus Alternative Remedies
Pain management in a case of sciatica can be tricky and requires patience and a high threshold for pain. And although there are methods to relieve your pain, it is imperative to know the difference between conventional and alternative methods to give you the knowledge to make the best decision possible for you.
As far as conventional methods go, pain medication and anti-inflammatories are the standard. And in a severe and chronic case of sciatica, an epidural steroid injection – yes, the numbing drug that women in labor are injected with in their spine to relieve the pain of giving birth – is advised by a physician. Although these drugs provide temporary relief, they are not natural for your body to digest and many problems can arise.
Firstly, pain medication is addictive. If you have even the smallest addictive personality you are putting yourself at risk for developing an addiction to your pain medication. Also, too many manufactured drugs can destroy your liver and other organs over time. And although these prescription pills can relieve your discomfort temporarily, they are ultimately hurting your insides. Pain medication does not cure your sciatica or strengthen your muscles and back to prevent sciatica from coming back. Therefore, pain medication is just temporarily putting you out of your misery.
It would be wise in my estimate to put the pain killers down and look into alternative remedies that not only ease your discomfort, but create a healthier environment for your body in the future. Although I never had sciatica, I did have major surgery on my face about two years ago and as much as I wanted to, I never touched a pain killer. I worked through the pain with coping techniques and I believe mentally, it made me a stronger person. But then again, I have never given birth, so I will bite my tongue.
In all seriousness, when dealing with such a strenuous amount of pain, especially in the foundation of your body – your legs – it would behoove you to look into natural and home remedies to make a permanent change, rather than a quick fix.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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