Sciatica

[Mayroitiado]

I have a friend that is suffering quite badly with sciatica at the moment - can anyone recommend aromatherapy oils that are good for treating this condition and if massage is beneficial to this condition?

Thanks

 

[Cathy C]

Hi Swilks

Massage is certainly beneficial with sciatica, the main problem is discerning if it is true sciatica or pseudo sciatica, as one is mainly skeletal in nature and the other is muscular.

If it is muscular then the problem usually lies in the periformis! (spelling) muscle which runs diagonally across the gluteals that's the cheeks of the bottom, when it gets to tight it grabs the nerve and the nerve thinks there is a problem so starts sending out shooting pains, to clear un-knot the muscle and it release the nerve and the pain goes, the other type is a lot more complex in its nature and will need addressing properly.

The best essential oil is clove bud oil mixed in a little oil or cream and applied the general area which will anesthetise the nerve, but the person needs to be aware that they still have a problem and need to get it sorted ASAP.

 

[Tegan]

Paul,

thanks for your reply.

My fiend is currently visiting a Chiropractor to try and correct the situation, am I still OK to treat aswell?

They are also having to dose themselves up on pretty strong painkillers at the moment!

Is this something that can just appear over night - as he can't seem to relate it to anything he has done...

 

[johnny1]

Hi Swilks

Your friend will not be receiving massage therapy at a chiropractors so it is a good idea to give the gluteals a good deep massage and see if you can find something that feels like a rope in there, if so work it until it goes soft, and that should help

 

[Bananaman]

I use the following very successfully for people with lower back pain:

10 drops of peppermint oil
4 drops sweet marjoram
3 drops roman chamomile

in 15 ml carrier oil

you can use the peppermint neat if you are sure it is pure, on the affected area for an anaesthetic effect.

Or alternatively Yellow Birch oil is a very good painkiller. I use ten drops in 10-15 ml carrier.

Massage the glutes and lower back area well, you don't even have to work that deeply to get a good effect. You should be able to feel what is going on there and you can work on any scar tissue that may be there to break it down with frictions. Use the heel of your hand and work on the opposite side and push your hand away from you firmly but gently and use circular movements - get feedback and make sure you aren't working too deeply if you are not sure what you are doing. Even gentle massage helps.

Paul - the ropes? I think of them as veins or fat worms! I always have trouble describing them to people - I won't now.

 

[drainfixer]

Hi, I have now been suffering with sciatica since Nov. 05, I have seen doctors, specialists, national health physios all I'm afraid have been no help. I feel at the moment this has taken over my life and I can see no end to it. I have problems sleeping because of the pain I feel in my hips, in the morning my legs feel as if they are stuck to the bed and when I try to move them the pain in my hips is quite intense. It takes me at least an hour or so before I can walk properly, and even then the pain is always with me. This has knocked my confidence, I do not like going out, as if I have to sit at all, I feel stupid when I get out of the chair as I have to stand whilst the pain passes. I can no longer drive as again the pain gets to such a point that its nearly unbearable. Is there anyone out there that can advise me what to do next, I'm beginning to think that I will be stuck with this forever. Thanks Kath

 

[zookiee22]

Hi Kath

I myself had sciatica last year and also suffered like you do. Unless you have had it yourself, it's very hard to describe what a thoroughly miserable condition this is, so I can really sympathise with you.

My doctor just gave me anti-inflammatory tablets and I was even allergic to them - after 10 days I came up with a rash all over my body. It really scared me, I can tell you, because at first I did not connect it to the medication.[sm=speechless-smiley-040.gif]

So in desperation I tried a chiropractor and was cured within 3 months. I was soooooooooooo relieved.I had thought I was going to have the pain for the rest of my life and was getting very depressed with it. The chiro also did ultrasound and accupressure on me and these 2 immediately stopped the nerves from firing and I was so impressed by this.

I definitely would recommend that you try a chiropractor.

Good luck and I'd be interested to know how you get on.

Best wishes
Moonfairy
x

 

[tehpwnerer1918]

Hi Kath[/align][/align]Welcome to HP.[/align][/align]Unfortunately you will not get a lot of help from the NHS but you can try manipulation and or remedial massage therapy, you might also get some help from a sports injury massage therapist if they have been taught this?[/align][/align]At the end of the day it is your body, your pain and it is up to you to seek out something that will address yourproblem [/align]