The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Chair Exercise
Posted by Helen (Austin, Texas) on 07/30/2008
★★★★★
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.
Pain Caused by the Piriformis Muscle
Posted by Marie (Philly, Pa) on 10/15/2011
★★★★★
Thank you for this info. I googled piriformis muscle and there was a number of videos on how to stretch the muscle. I have been in pain for a number of days. I knew it was my sciatic nerve but not the piriformis muscle. I am sitting here now after I did the stretching from two of the videos on youtube and I feel better. I will do the exercises everyday now that I know what is really affecting my sciatic nerve. My pain was from the lower back, pain especially in my hip, and down to my ankle. My knee was swelling up also. Everything feels calmer now. Thanks again!
Traction
Posted by Slim CS (San Rafael, California ) on 04/29/2025 8 posts
★★★★★
Traction for Sciatica
When I lived in Europe in the 70s and 80s, I had Sciatica a lot. It was debilitating and almost nothing worked. I am now 82 and in pretty good shape.
But, I've now been having back pain and Sciatica for about three/four months now. A lumbar MRI shows that I have stenosis in a couple of discs in my lower back and also a protrusion.
I've tried physical therapy, yoga, candied ginger, B12 and a lot more. Nothing has worked and the pain has continued. Lower back pain as well as pain shooting down my right butt and hip.
A few days ago, a friend said that the only thing that worked for him to make him pain-free was traction equipment at his local PT place. Equipment that stretches your upper body and lower body in different directions gently such that your discs decompress less. Inversion gym equipment apparently has the same effect.
I haven't been able to find a PT place as yet with the right equipment but I've been having my wife pull hard at my feet three times daily while I hold on to the bed at the top, thereby giving my body a great stretch. I guess one could also hang from a bar for a similar effect.
This has been like magic! I am practically pain-free and walking and going about my daily routine has been no problem. She's going to do this until I can find traction equipment and a physical therapist trained to use it. Amazon also sells one for the one - a kind of a 'do-it-yourself' thing!
D3, Temporary High Dose
Posted by Gary (Kitchener On) on 08/16/2023
★★★★★
Hi guest
Sorry to hear of your problem. Mag Oil is Magnesium Oil. Best thing for your nervous system is vitamin D3. Everyone in my opinion should be taking 10,000 ius daily Monday through to Friday and stop on weekends. High dose I took 10,000 3 times a day for 2 days when I had sciatica. After that, it never came back. I hope this helps you.
God Bless
Gary
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/16/2023
I left this out of previous post. Just wanted to be complete.
I recommend that product for sciatica especially severe sciatica that doesn't heal.
Most sciatica is mild and temporary and will heal on its own with rest, especially in younger people. If it doesn't heal in 4 weeks, one needs to bring out the heavy artillery of the supplement. If this doesn't heal the sciatica then one may be in the 10 percent category of other causes.
Many You Tube videos recommend physical rehab of various types which is absurd when the supplement can make it so much easier and far less pain. Plus it is not healing the root cause.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Karen Messina (New Jersey) on 05/17/2020
Hello to Baton Rouge re candied ginger - I know it's been a while but maybe you will check back. I make my own from store bought fresh ginger root. Peel it, cut it up, boil in water. Drain it, then make a simple syrup of sugar and water and boil the ginger in that. Be careful, syrup is very hot and sticky! here is Alton Brown's video:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/candied-ginger-recipe-1944906
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Penny (KY) on 02/14/2023
Why candied? What about fresh ginger to avoid the sugar?
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by NK (Georgia) on 02/17/2021
When using ginger for remedies, no, it doesn't matter as long as it's real ginger--unless you're on a very sugar-restricted diet. You can use fresh ginger, or dried ginger but it's tastes so strong most people use the crystalized kind because it tastes like candy. I use fresh ginger root to make ginger tea.
***Most commercial brands of ginger ale don't have enough ginger in them to do much of anything other than taste good & quench your thirst. It's probably the carbonation & sugar that settles people's stomachs.
Dietary Changes, Supplements
Posted by Bluefriend (Bc) on 06/01/2017
★★★★★
I am now pain free from severe sciatica, and I'd like to share the story. First to say that it began about 6 months ago, extreme pain, twice knocking me to the floor with excruciating jabs in lower back, right side. Felt like electric shocks were running down the front of my legs, and feet so heavy at other times I could barely pick my feet up. I did try the pillows, the exercises on floor, and a lot of ibuprofen.
But it occurred to me about 3 weeks ago that pain is caused by inflammation. So I looked up an inflammation diet..... eliminate all sugars and starches which feed
inflammation. And at the same time took 3,000 Vit. D3, 3,000 mg Vit. C and 3,000 Salmon oil with these numbers: 300mg EPA/DHA, each day. After 2 days the pain
had dropped from a 10 to an 8, then on 3rd day of this the pain was about a 6.
Steadily dropped until today, 3 weeks later..... I am totally pain free. I will continue to follow this regime for at least another month. I just want to share this info with anyone suffering the horrific pain of sciatica. This regime may work wonders for you, too.
Turmeric
Posted by Elaine (Great Lakes, Usa) on 01/28/2017
★★★★★
Turmeric works fabulously as an anti-inflammatory. Be sure to get the kind of capsule that includes piperine (black pepper) to facilitate effective absorption. I have turned other friends on to it as well. They thought I was an "eye of newt" kind of gal...but now THEY are singing the praises of turmeric, too!
Tennis Ball Technique
Posted by Silver (Toronto) on 07/30/2016
★★★★★
Tennis ball technique for sciatica is amazing. You have to put ball under your butt, opposite side of the pain. I suffered prolonged period and after only a few minutes experienced fantastic sensation.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Nickie (London, Uk) on 10/06/2015
★★★★★
For sciatica,
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.
Magnesium Oil, Vitamin E Oil
Posted by Namiyah (Westport, Or) on 03/01/2013
★★★★★
I've had sciatica since the mid-nineties and tried everything from herbal supplements, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments but the pain remained constant, especially on cold, wet, rainy days. Then I purchased some Magnesium oil and placed some in a roll-on bottle of Vitamin E leaving about 1/3rd Vitamin E in the roll-on. The strategic area that I applied it was upon my tail-bone from 1L to 5L. It took about several weeks and I noticed a 75% reduction in pain. I've been using it daily for 6 months and notice a tremendous difference. Good luck!
MSM, Cabbage
Posted by Mike (Montreal, Quebec) on 12/18/2011
★★★★★
Last summer I made quite a remarkable discovery about getting rid of a major back pain that affected my left leg. It was later determined that I was suffering from sciatica. In my case the problem was chronic and seem to get worse over time. Then the unthinkable happened to me. It got so bad that one morning I was not able to get out of bed and at that point experienced a major panic attack thinking I had contracted some sort of a disease related to the nervous system. That's how bad it really was!!
The pain was felt constantly in my left leg and would keep me up most of the night for at least a whole week. Even the strong anti inflammatory and pain killer drugs that my doctor would prescribe was having no more effect on me and as a result I had to live with the constant pain. I even went to a chiropractor as an act of desperation and she made it much worse because the slightest pressure applied on my back would cause severe pain mostly in my left leg.
IT IS ONLY BECAUSE OF THIS SITE AND WITH A BIT OF LUCK THAT I FOUND A COMPLETE CURE TO MY BACK PROBLEM. Its now been 5 months since I last had my awful back pains so my self treatment must certainly have worked!!!!
Especially with the fact that in the past 15 years I would not go through a single year without experiencing some degree of chronic back pains.
When I had gone through some unrelated tests using the MRI scanner, I remember the nurse noticing something odd about my back. At that time I decided not to further pursuit this by not asking her what she had noticed about it. To this day I regret I never asked her anything about what she had found.
I now realize that the real problem with back aches is simply the bodies inability to naturally heal itself because of a severe lack of sulfur. IN MY CASE THAT'S ALL IT WAS!!
When I increase my sulfur consumption using supplements and natural food, it took only about 3 complete days before I noticed significant results.
I was shocked when one morning I felt that all the sudden I HAD AN URGE TO STRETCH MY BACK and was even able to lift my left leg up at least 3 feet above the ground.
It seems that what has worked for me is by taking large amount of MSM and RAW RED CABBAGE for a period of 3-4 days.
One of the main reasons I used to keep getting sore back is because of bad sitting posture over very long periods of a time in front of my computer. Also it was because I would stoop often over my car engine for very long periods at a time.
When I hear people experiencing very bad back problems especially related to sciatica then I feel so compelled to tell my incredible story.
I am so happy that my back is now completely cured and can now lead a normal life all thanks to this wonderful site. We are simply just not getting enough sulfur in our diet because as pointed out by many scientists, we tend to overcook our food and furthermore, sulfur is becoming more and more depleted mainly because of our overuse of chemicals.
Vitamin C
Posted by Pat (Calabasas, Ca, United States) on 05/11/2012
★★★★★
Precisely what does vitamin C provide to a person's wellness? Firstly, it provides many health advantages for individuals who ingest this specific vitamin on a steady basis. A pair of the most critical positive aspects of consistent vit c absorption are generally younger skin area as well as healthy gums. Yet another great importance of that vitamin is actually the actual assimilation of mineral, for instance iron, that is essential, specifically for those who find themselves identified for being anemic. People that often ingest this particular vitamin will see how they benefit from speedy recovering of their particular injuries and also cuts. Vitamin C furthermore helps throughout the healing of the defensive cellular lining of a individual's respiratory system areas. Vitamin C will also help people benefit from health and fitness benefits, such as the reduction of lungs complications, for example flu virus, typical cold, along with a number of different lung microbe infections.
read more Vitamin C is a great benefit to the body
Individuals constantly link vitamin c together with the health and fitness of a person's defense system. Simply what does Vitamin C deliver to the body's wellness and body's defence mechanism? It will help for the deletion of toxins, that when they are neglected, can create severe chaos of the individual's health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it assists the body's defense system to create consistent and powerful body through frequent detox. Using this type of a procedure, the entire body gets rid of almost all harmful toxins from the body. The liver requires vitamin c in order to help the eliminating of poisons in the entire body.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Judy (Florida) on 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
Posted by Anna (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 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!)
Piriformis Muscle Massage
Posted by Dena (New Orleans, Louisiana ) on 08/03/2023
★★★★★
I was in pain with sciatica to the point I couldn't walk to the toilet. I was placed on naproxen pain killers as well as Tylenol. I wanted to be off painkillers because long term they can damage your liver and kidneys. I tried all the remedies like apple cider vinegar and chlorophyll with only worked temporarily. While laying in pain I went on tic tok and found piriformis muscle massage. So I massage my buttocks each twice a day. I woke up with less pain every day. Today I took zero pain killers. I do plan to do cold laser treatments, a deep tissue massage and spinal decompression with a chiropractor in the future to keep it from coming back. I ordered a double lacrosse ball to help with the butt massage so I don't hurt my wrist. This worked better than the yoga exercises I was doing. Sciatica is caused by weak buttocks and muscles so do exercises that focus on those area.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Prioris (Fort Pierce, Fl, USA) on 11/03/2020
Does it matter if it is candied vs crystalized ginger?
The terms “candied” and “crystallized” are typically used interchangeably. If a distinction is made, the term candied refers to ginger stored in the simple syrup and crystallized ginger means the version cooked in the sweet syrup and rolled in sugar.
Turmeric
Posted by Debbie (St. Augustine, Fl) on 12/12/2016
★★★★★
I use capsules, I buy the fresh ground from a local herb store here. I started taking 2 a day, for my sciatica, works great. Turmeric is good for many things, love it!
Swimming
Posted by Shelley (Delaware) on 08/20/2015
★★★★★
I have been so blessed since I tripped over this website in Sept 2013. My elderly mother was in excrutiating pain from Sciatica..shots didn't help. Prescript meds made her a zombie. Finally Dr. recommended water therapy at a facility. The exercise in the water made all the difference in the world. Insurance initially covered it. Now she just pays 5.00 a visit. Its been a miracle. Cheers.
Coffee
Posted by Joe (Poway, Ca) on 01/04/2017
★★★★★
I have extreme pain in the right hip ( sciatica, I guess) going on 3 weeks. Can't walk or sleep and the only thing that has helped is coffee. Prescription pain pills and muscle relaxers were no help. Pain was so bad last night, I had to drink a cup of coffee to get some sleep.
B-12
Posted by NK (Georgia) on 02/17/2021
You do not have to buy expensive B12 at an expensive store. But is is best to buy the kind that says "sublingual" on the package because it's more absorbable. You can get liquid or quick dissolve tablets. You will not overdose on even the highest doses sold in stores because excess is not stored by your body, it's flushed out with urination.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Hope (Sacramento, California) on 04/06/2011
★★★★★
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!
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Oliver (New York, Ny/ Usa) on 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.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Patti (Jamestown, Ohio, United States) on 02/18/2010
★★★★★
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.
