Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV is a great topical for sciatica and foot and leg cramps. Works almost instantly. Didn't see this suggestion on your app info. Try it it works. Just pour some in the palm of your hand and apply.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt Foot Bath
Newly Found Relief with Strange but Simple Method
Hello all,
I'm an 18-year-old senior in high school and I've been suffering with sciatica for 2 years. I've seen countless doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc. From acupuncture to cryotherapy, I've tried every physical method to treat my pain. Nothing has worked. They believe my pain started from a sports-related back injury. I have two bulging discs in my lumbar spine. The pin generally is focused in my upper right buttock, but spreads down my leg throughout the day.
About 3 days ago, I tried something new. I filled a bucket with hot water, and put 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and a handful of epsom salt in it. I soak my affected side's foot in the water until it cools, and get straight into bed after. No walking or getting up after it soaks.
I feel like this method is working. The pain has not been spreading to my leg and I am managing my pain in a much better way. I would recomend you try this method because I pretty much lost hope of being able to walk without a limp, but today I played pick up basketball with my friends for the first time since my injury. Comment with any questions or advice!
To Brett E.
Such a shame to be so badly afflicted at such a young age! You will need to take good care of yourself from now on, as Sciatica can be very debilitating. Many of us oldies only got into mischief and strife once we hit sixty and we moan a lot but at least we were running on all six cylinders when we were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!
There are good exercises you can copy from chiropractors or osteopaths on u tube. Even as few as three or so, if done regularly, can be beneficial. Your posture should also be assessed professionally, including your driving position- straighten up your bum in your seat before you take off in your Mustang! Seriously! Swing out both legs before exiting the vehicle so the weight is evenly distributed. Use your arms more to lessen the load. Also much information from sufferers on this web site which you should peruse. There are natural pain relievers such as ginger and turmeric of course plus many more. I am impressed with your foot soaking/ACV/Epsom Salts discovery! Try out one of those gismos that vibrate at the same time whilst you are soaking. You could also bone up on Reflexology and massage the parts that relate to the Sciatic nerve.
You can do most of the above yourself.
Hope you have long-lasting improvement.
Cheers, Michael
B-12
I AM CURED OF SCIATICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nothing on this thread helped me but B-12. So many medications deplete B-12 and old age too. My friend told me to get this and in 7 days that sciatica was gone. You can do what you want. I have been meaning to come here for a month now because it is sad for so many to be hurting when all they have to do is buy this product. Get the one that dissolves under your tongue.
Thanks JO in AZ
Oregon
08/19/2015
Columbus, Oh
09/03/2015
Get the B-12 sublingual tablets at Whole Foods. 2000 mcg (micrograms). They're cherry-flavored. I was taking just 1 tablet per day, but my nutritionist suggested taking 3 per day because I have some sciatica pain. I take all 3 pills at once, letting them melt under my tongue. Also better to take in the morning, because they may give you a slight burst in energy and you wouldn't want that before bedtime.
Blackstrap Molasses
01/24/2010: Cristi from Tucson, Arizona, United States: "I cured sciatica in my right leg using blackstrap molassas. I read in the book The Ultimate Healing System by Donald Lepore, N. D. That sciatica in the right leg is caused by a potassium deficiency. Since I always seek out food sources over supplements I started the black strap molassas and have never had pain again.
FYI, the book says sciatica in the left leg is a sodium defiency.
Things that deplete potassium and sodium are drinking alchohol, processed foods, sweating/exercising, and being sick, to name a few."
Bullion cubes or salt in warm water will stop the pain. Look up sciatic pain, etiologies, mineral deficiencies.
Co
06/03/2015
My sciatica is caused by a vertebra which has shifted out of position over time; so I doubt any food or supplement would help.
I cured sciatica in my right leg using black strap molassas. I read in the book The Ultimate Healing System by Donald Lepore, N.D. that sciatica in the right leg is caused by a potassium deficiency. Since I always seek out food sources over supplements I started the black strap molassas and have never had pain again.
FYI, the book says sciatica in the left leg is a sodium defiency.
Things that deplete potassium and sodium are drinking alchohol, processed foods, sweating/ecercising, and being sick, to name a few.
Tempe, Az, Usa
01/18/2011
You are right on about this being from a potassium deficiency. Some drugs like Metformin or Lisinipril cause a potassium deficiency then we get sciatica pain. Molasses is high in potassium and it is easier than all the others to incorporate into one's diet daily but you didn't say how much you take? I will probably do this remedy because it is so easy and quick to take.
I was eating avocado, peanuts, potatoes, lima's, apricots and pears and a lot of other things that have potassium but the avocado gave me more relief than anything within 1 hour--(1 whole avocado). Also B Complex.... Like breads and Brewers yeast etc. Brewers yeast is the best one in the B's. So for me it is potassium and B complex. These are the two that I work on. May my prayers be with all sciatica pain sufferers. By the way Ibuprofin 800 mg is the only thing that will eliminate the pain completely temporarily while nothing else really will. Icy Hot spray and stick (both) work pretty good. I use them both at the same time.... Spray and then stick. I also take baths with Epsom and Lavender, I buy it at Walgreens in a bag. I get the water very hot or sit in it before the tub fills up because I want it very hot. Then when I am done I drain the tub and turn on the cold water. So it is a hot and cold bath... This works for me. I think that is about my take on this mess and I just wonder if I will ever! Get rid of this without surgery. Anyone ever used a Ten's unit? JO in Phoenix
Tyler, Tx
06/16/2015
Arnica Montana is great for pain. Also, most pharmacies have Arnica gel for pain. It comes in a tube.
Florida
09/18/2015
I have used a Tens unit. They always put the Tens unit on one in physical therphy. I bought one and use it but get caught up in the wires. I just ordered a wireless Tens unit with rechargeable batteries. I saw a thing on them on GMA the other day. They say the Tens unit sends a signal to the brain. They warn not to use it for more than 2 hrs. at a time. Mine has timer for up to 0 min. I can do a lot more without pain when I wear it. I had small incision surgery and am in pain management. There is no surgery to help me and surgery could make me worse. Try the Tens unit. Get a good one that will last. I think you will really like it.
Candied Ginger Slices
HI YA'LL,,,,,,, slept, so I may have reported this before. My pharmacist friend at church told me that she took ginger candy for her sciatica pain and it went away in a few days. I sent this to my troops and learned that it had worked for those that had this problem. My back problem is diminishing as I worked 8 hours at the farm the other day and survived. Wish I knew the answer, but I shoot with a shot gun and just hope something works. So far something is working and I have no clue. I 'm not after answers, I'm after relief. I got a feeling that our new PEMF device is a major factor in solving my pain problem, but then again, I do so many things. Think my FIR sauna is also a factor.
What definitely has gone away is my sciatica pain. My lower back still gives out with work. Maybe 80+ years is a factor. Ticks are bad this year with the mild winter. My Tractor Driver has to inspect Honey, our Rat Terrier, after a day at the farm. Last trip, she picked 9 ticks off her. Lyme is the latest rage and is a result of our Gov. messin with Bio stuff. Are we stupid or what? Lord, hep us to get right.
ATS ========ORH=======
Dear ORH, Perhaps you could advise Olivia Newton John (from Australia) on her sciatica pain, as she has apparently recently joined the community of reluctant sufferers. You may be old enough to remember her from the iconic "Grease"? She is difficult to forget! No doubt she could benefit from your country wisdom!
Glad to hear you have conquered the malady.
Can you bottle whatever it is you are on and save the World?
No doubt you are enjoying spring?
Cheers, Michael
Ten Mile , Tn
05/14/2017
HI U MICHAEL,,,,,,,,, formula is one jigger of Bombay Saphire and two jiggers of Segrams Plain. Worries go away.
ATS ======ORH=======
Instant relief with ginger:
I have a friend who was in severe pain for at least a week & a half. The sciatic nerve in his left leg was so bad when he finally managed to get out of bed in the morning one leg was an inch or two shorter than the other. Needless to say he was in terrible mood & not all that nice to those around him. He was in excruciating pain & had been to the chiropractor, & was taking anything he could get his hands on for pain...so after doing some research I bought some crystallized ginger & took it to him. This was around 6pm or so. He ate one piece & had a hard time swallowing it, going on & on about how bad it taste. A little later we were eating dinner & he said "you know I think my back was getting better anyway" I said "oh so the ginger did help?" "Instantly! " Was his response. So he continued eating it piece by piece every few hrs or so. By that night he was acting like his old self-THANK GOD!
After a several days' bout with painful sciatica, including visits to both an MD and a chiropractor without much relief, I tried the Earth Clinic suggestion of eating crystalized ginger. Frankly, I didn't think it would work for me, but I bought a bag of the candied ginger at a local health food store.
I was pleasantly surprised and grateful. Within an hour or two, there was a major, noticeable improvement. It's the next day now, and I still have some minor pain, but it's much, much less than yesterday. I can walk almost normally this morning.
I'll look for some non-sugary ginger, though, as I'm pre-diabetic and any excess sugar should be avoided. However, I'm really appreciative of the Earth Clinic suggestions for sciatica, as well as for the entire site. Very interesting and helpful!
Ginger has anti-inflamatory properties. Inflamation is the cause of sciatic or hip pain. However, the 'firey' taste of ginger is something that takes time for an aquired taste to build.
- Fresh ginger will always be the best source for potassium, and pealed, thinly sliced ginger with a little lemon steeped in hot water for tea is good.
- Herbal ginger teas are an easy alternative, and these teas do work; however, they do not deliver the full impact of fresh ginger and must be steeped longer for effectiveness.
- The candied ginger is ideal and the sugar covers the firey taste but can present a problem for diabetics.
Tip: brew a full pot of ginger tea for the day. Use three to four slices, but use trial and error here for the strength that works for you. Place in a thermos and sip the tea throughtout the day. Let the tea cool and drink it like iced tea. Be sure to pitch any unfinished tea at the end of each day - no sense in dealing with a fungus later on.
Also helpful: Finding a massage therapist who knows how to release the sciatica is an ideal way to help the muscle relax and give the client the ability to walk, ride a bike, streach and keep the muscle toned. The key question to ask the therapist - does he or she know how to use strain counter strain in the glutes or hip muscles. This therapy along with the ginger to offset the inflamation will be the beginning of freedom. Blessings...
I had a bad case of sciatica for about 2 weeks and tried everything and then remembered reading a long while ago about crystalized ginger ( on Earth Clinic, of course! ) I bought some from the bulk section at the food co-op and lo and behold, after eating 6 pieces, the pain was GONE! Not only is it delicious, but it works!
Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France
05/11/2011
Webster, Fl
02/29/2012
I was on here Friday night because my husband has suffered from sciatica for more than a month he has been going to the Dr and no relief he has not been able to walk without severe pain. I bought fresh ginger and candied it myself and he has been eating 3 pieces 4 times a day and he is able to walk again. His pain level has dropped drastically and he has only been taking for 4 days. I really appreciate the info that I got from here I was really worried that he was not going to get better. Thank you
Dana Point, Ca
11/24/2012
I'm not clear. Does candied ginger work for sciatica in general, or only on left-leg-sufferers? I read here that sciatica in the left leg is different than right. If the left leg is a deficiency of sodium and not potassium, will the ginger still help? Has anyone with sciatica in their left leg been helped by candied ginger? Please, my husband has terrible pain on his left side and I don't want to waste any time or money. Should we use the epsom salts for sodium deficiency?
Houston, Usa
11/24/2012
Sunshine from Dana Point, CA: Please google helichrysum essential oil. It is exceptional for sciatica nerve pain, as well as other forms of muscle pain as well. Buy *therapeutic grade essential oil and apply liberally to area of pain every few hours, and the patient will find relief. Good luck, Tina
Ravenna, Oh, Usa
12/13/2012
I have suffered with sciatica on and off for years, and after finding this site and thread, I want to say THANK YOU!! I was in the midst of a three-week bout of unrelenting pain when I read this thread. Shortly after, I ran out out and bought the ginger slices. I used that (ate about six or seven yesterday) along with 15 minutes of icing my back twice yesterday and the pain was gone in hours. I kid you not, and I am both incredulous and extremely grateful. I seriously didn't think that anything was ever going to work for me. While I am sure that I will have another episode of sciatica (or another 50 episodes of it), I feel that I have options now. Eager to try to other methods as well (well, not too eager, if you get my drift).... I have tried meds, chiropractic, exercises (which I am sure are essential for building strength), but nothing has ever helped me this quickly. Thank you!!!!!!!!
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
09/25/2015
Candied ginger worked for my sciatica as well! Been looking for a treatment for years, finally found one that works!
London, Uk
10/06/2015
Peel some ginger root, slice and place in a pan with some purified water. Bring to boil and simmer for 5 minutes. You can add some honey and keep in the fridge as required. Only add honey when liquid is tepid or the good enzymes are killed.
I found this site just looking at natural ways to treat different things. My husband is 71 & hurt his back sweeping our porch. Going & going to the doctor but not much help. The pain in his leg was awful. He could not find a comfortable position no matter what he did. For two nights he walked the floor just trying to get some relief. I saw the crystalized ginger for scatica and thought it was worth a try. When I tell others how much it helped him I get a funny look but it surely did. On Saturday, about noon he ate two pieces. Two more about 3 and two more around 6 that evening. He slept Saturday night for the first time in 3 weeks AND he has had NO pain in the leg since. His back is still some sore and tender but the pain that went from his hip almost to his foot is 100% total gone. So I would say to anyone with sciatica to at least give it a try. He is eating 3-4 pieces a day now. May try not eating and see if it stays gone. Just wanted to share this so if someone is wondering if this really works is did for my husband. Got it at Krogers in the dried fruit area. Came in a bag like dried cranberries are in. They also had it in the spices but alot more expensive.
Love this site and all the information here.
Fairfield, Ct
04/03/2011
I've been dealing with horrible Sciatic pain and muscle spasms in my back. I've been to doctors and a chiropractor. They gave me pain meds and gave me stretching exercises to do. I've gotten adjusted and acupuncture and massage therapy. The pain persisted. The pain was so horrible sometimes and annoying. I didn't want to keep taking pain medication, so I started looking for natural cures.
I read how Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory and thought I would give it a try. I was going to look for Ginger supplements at a health food store, but then thought I would first try the ginger slices. I started eating small pieces throughout the day. After two days, I started feeling better and by the third day the pain was almost completely gone. I couldn't believe it. I feel like I'm dreaming. Nothing was helping me and I was becoming so depressed. It's amazing how the ginger has helped me. I was so skeptical when I first started taking it, but I was so tired of the pain and not getting relief from doctors that at this point I thought I will give it a try. It really helps. It's amazing. I feel so wonderful today. This is the first week that I haven't felt awful and didn't have pain. It's almost unreal. If you are having a lot of pain, give it a try it worked for me.
Jamestown, Ohio
04/05/2011
Elaine, So good to know someone else tried the ginger and it worked for them. My husband is still using it, just a piece or two everyday. He still have that back pain but never has the scatica pain unless he goes several days without eating any ginger. I have told many people and those who really gave it a good try got alot of pain relief. It really is amazing. My hubby kept saying "I don't believe how much better my leg is, can it really be the ginger"? Earth Clinic has been a lifesaver more than once for us. Thanks to everyone who keeps it up and running and prayers to Ted.
I irritated my sciatic nerve for the first time, and in addition to ice packs, heat pads, ibuprofen and rest, I also made ginger syrup and dried sweet pieces. Eating and drinking the ginger enhances the anti-inflammatory benefit from the ibuprofen, so I do not need to take as much. Eventually, I hope to only consume ginger while eliminating the ibuprofen. I used the recipe "Ginger Ale and It's Candy" by Ming Tsai and even substituted some of the sugar with stevia for sweetener. I add 1-2 Tablespoons of syrup to 8 oz. selter water for the ginger ale. I have been eating 6-8 small pieces of ginger daily, or adding to my tea for flavor. Ginger is good!
Utica, Ny
07/13/2009
Waihi 3610, New Zealand
06/28/2012
I WAS ON A DIET SO I MADE LITE CANDIED GINGER SLICES TO SUPRESS APPETITE. I WAS ALSO SUFFERING FROM SEVERE SCIATICA AND BACK SPASMS. AFTER A WEEK BOTH DISAPPEARED. IT WAS BY ACCIDENT THAT I DISCOVERED THE TOTAL RELIEF OF LOWER BACK PROBLEMS. I AM 64 YRS OLD. I HAVE DISCONTINUED GINGER AND MY BACK HAS BEEN PAIN FREE.
bonifay, Fl.
07/31/2008
Butler, N.J.
08/22/2008
Butler, NJ
08/27/2008
Iv'e been eating the slices for about a week now, I don't know how it works, but it is working. The pain is almost all gone. It's nice not to be taking excederin every four hours. I snack on about 5 or 6 slices a day. Thanks for the tip!!!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
09/12/2008
Candied ginger slices for scatica:
My husband suffers from sciatica for weeks in a stretch about four times a year. It started hurting him really bad (not able to function without OTC painkillers) few days ago. Two days ago I read here about candied ginger. Yesterday he snack on it- about 10-12 slices which is a lot but he found 1. he likes the taste 2.everybody in his work seems to like it too and wants to have some! It was his first night without painkiller! The pain is gone! Early morning, which used to be worst, he sensed "something" along the nerve, but it even wasn't painful or lasting. It is so hard to believe - but IT IS A FACT. (I learned meanwhile that ginger works against inflammotion; whatever the reason-it has worked!)
San Pablo, Ca.
09/23/2008
Antioch, California
11/17/2008
Amazing, the spasm on my leg from the my sciatica pain have improved after the 3rd day on eating the ginger slices along with some yoga exercise. I eat about 5 to 10 slices a day and I am feeling much better after a week. My last sciatica pain last nearly 2 months which was 2 years ago. It is definitely worth of trying.
San Diego, Ca
07/11/2009
Gaffney, Sc
08/06/2009
I thought I stumbled across this site by accident, but now I'm not so sure. I've been dealing with pain in my hips and back for years now and nothing seems to help it. Here lately it has gotten worse. I hurt all the time and I can hardly walk without a limp. I was literally at the end of my rope when I stumbled across this site. With nothing to lose I thought I would give the ginger a try so I bought some today. I don't know why, but I have a strong belief that this will work. The true test will be in my martial arts classes....it would be so nice to be able to participate again.
Thousand Oaks, Ca
08/07/2009
Prescott Valley, Az
04/21/2010
I had extreme sciatica pain. Best I could do for myself was walk because sitting was sooo painful and lying down didn't help much either. I came across this site by accident, thank God. I read about using ginger so I bought some candied ginger and ate about a tblspn size and went to lie down. I was up in 15 minutes and I just wanted to cry! The pain was all but gone for the first time in months!!! Please, if you have sciatica pain, eat ginger! It will help get you through!!!
New York, Ny/ Usa
03/03/2011
I had terrible Sciatica brought on by a new running regime. I tried (I thought) everything- Acupuncture, Chiropractor and was running out of hope. It went on for 2 months plus and would get to the point where my leg would completely seize up. I then did 3 things and within a couple of days I was seeing results and by 2 weeks totally fine.
1- Ginger Slices, this really seemed to help reduce swelling in my lower back
2- Yoga ( I went twice and had great results) I was then able to use the techniques at home- It takes a tiny amount of work compared to the agony of Sciatica
3- Removed my wallet from back pocket when sitting!
I am not sure if all 3 or just 1 cured me, but combined I went from having no hope of cure to complete cure in days.
Everyone will be different, but don't lose hope and try not to spend too much money on treatments when you have some simple options you can try first.
Good Luck everyone, it really sucks.
Orlando, Fl
03/06/2012
Just purchased some crystalized ginger to treat some extreme sciatica and lower back pain. I was not at all prepared for how spicy it would be. I was thinking that it was candied and wasn't expecting it to burn a whole in my tongue. Oh well, small price to pay for pain relief, I hope it works. I will post an update in a few days and let you all know how it worked.
San Marcos, Ca
04/28/2012
I was reading the comments on candied ginger for sciatica as well as the other comments regarding potassium rich foods. I did an internet search on the potassium content of ginger and it turns out that ginger is very high in potassium. The ginger has helped aleviate my sciatica pain and so has the tennis shoe tip. I also saw a video online about stretching the "piriformis muscle" which is the muscle the sciatica nerve runs through. Learning how to stretch this muscle has helped. I saw a video on YouTube video that was simple and it didn't hurt me. Anyway, I'm on the road to recovery thanks to all the Earth Clinic people with the willingness to research what is out there and to separate the good from the not so good.
Chair Exercise
I get minor sciatic nerve pinches regularly. A woman at a conference showed me a simple exercise, and a massage friend later said that's the exercise he teaches to everyone.
Sit in a firm chair. Cross your knees. Clasp both hands outside the knee and pull it towards it's opposite shoulder (right knee towards left shoulder.) Won't move more than an inch, but you should feel the pull on the side-near back buttocks area.
Do this for 20 seconds every time you sit down, and the pain should be gone in less than a week.
Keep doing it once daily to prevent recurrence.
Actually, doesn't have to be a real firm chair but starting that way helps you feel where the pull should be.
Also, massage guy said, stop sitting so much! And when you sit be sure to get up and move significantly every 45 minutes or so. Chiropractor said "Get a stand-up desk, sitting is unhealthy."
Build times of standing into your day. I made a habit of standing up when talking in the phone. At conferences and friendly meetings I often get up and stand in the back of the room for a while, especially if I had to drive an hour to get there.
Coast, Oregon
11/03/2009
I've recently suffered from a week of extreme muscle spasms in my back. Upon reading this recommendation, I began the stretching exercises and IMMEDIATE relief was felt after the first stretch. Sit in a firm chair with a straight back (concentrating on proper alignment & posture) and enjoy the benefits of this stretch. This is the first thing to bring relief in almost of week of pure, unrelenting pain.
I knew there had to be more options than massage and bed rest!
Thank you so much for sharing your "effectual" experience!
Philadelphia, Pa
09/15/2010
I want to register a huge YEA for the chair exercise to help ease sciatica pain. It literally took me from excruciating pain to relative comfort in about 10 minutes. THANK YOU. I use this site for everything, but this is the first time I just HAD to write in, because the difference felt miraculous. I'm on a long road trip and not being able to sit was just not an option, thank you again.
Ssi, Ga
03/22/2011
This works wonders like the chair exercise, I read this awhile back for sciatica, on Dear Abby I think it was-this helped me too. Lie on your back, stretch your toes, pointed as far as you can while stretching your arms over your head as far as you can, release, then stretch again, arms upward and pulling your toes inward. Do this BEFORE you get out of bed in the morning. Also, lie on your back, cross ankle to your knee, push down on knee while pulling in opposite leg, you can feel the burn/pull/release of the buttock area, hence sciatica release!
Toulon, France
03/24/2011
La
07/01/2015
Hi! I'm sorry if this is a silly question but what do you mean cross your knees? Cross your legs? Like when kids sit on the floor? Or like cross your legs like women sit?
Coffee
I decided to do a 21 day Daniel fast and not drink coffee or caffeine during that time. After a couple of days my bones were ACHING! I thought I was detoxing and that it would go away within a few days. Most of it was better, but my right side had sciatica terrible that would not go away. It would help to take ibuprofren or pain pills, but the pain continued after it wore off. It was the worst at night and I couldn't sleep. I remembered other times that I would quit drinking coffee that I had bone/nerve pain and after five days I decided to try and see if it was coffee. I drank one cup of 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf, which is what I normally drank and I didn't have to take anything for pain. It did hurt some in the middle of the night, but was much better! The next morning I again drank a couple of cups of 1/2 regular 1/2 decaf coffee and have had no more pain!! I know those who think coffee is poision will think this is crazy, but I would rather drink a couple cups of coffee a day then have the terrible pain that sciatica causes.
Los Angeles
07/08/2015
Hope, Bc Canada
07/08/2015
To Daniel (Los Angeles)
This can be remedied with topical Magnesium Chloride oil, alkalizing with one half tsp. baking soda about three times a day away from food and two tsp. turmeric in warm milk or nut milk twice a day. I use goat milk.
Try the separately or together in a day to find out what works best or keep taking them all.
Good luck, Namaste, Om
Poway, Ca
01/04/2017
