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.
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 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.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Jean (Los Angeles, California) on 03/22/2009
★★★★★
I had severe siatica. could not sit or get out of a chair. walking was difficult. I went to a gentle homeopatjoc chiropractor who told me to sit in a hot bath of two cups of epsom salts for 15 minutes. The next morning 90% of the pain was gone. No aspirin. I will do more epsom salts baths until my exercises begin to loosen the muscles which were tight from too much sitting at the computer......
Stretching, Magnesium
Posted by Margie (Sparta, Tennessee) on 12/29/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered with chronic facet syndrome and sciatica for years. At night the pain magnifies when I try to rest. I have found lying on the floor with my legs elevated on the bed or a chair brings relief but nothing compares with the relief obtained from stretching the inner muscles of the thighs. I lay on my back and do the "splits" while supporting my legs on the couch or bed. It is painful at first but I deal with it. When the pain of the initial stretch subsides, I stretch it a little more,etc....The combination of the cold floor, stretching of the muscles, and elevation of the legs help me a lot. I also take magnesium supplements to relax everything...Margie in Tennessee
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Elaine (Butler, NJ) on 08/27/2008
★★★★★
Iv'e been eating the ginger 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!!!
Massage
Posted by Dawna (Aspen) on 09/16/2026
★★★★★
I've had sciatica in one butt & leg for over a year, I've tried all kinds of things. Finally, I met a Chinese girl who told me she could fix me, it's her specialty, she went to medical school in Beijing to get her massage training. So, I hired her, she spent two hours working on all of me... it hurt like hell, but I never said a word to complain, I have to get rid of this misery! She was sweating. That night I could walk to the bathroom without pain... the next day I was sore from the workout, but no sciatica pains... I waited another day to be sure, by golly this hard massage works! I feel like the reason we have developed this pain is because of the way we slump when we sit, so I am constantly telling myself to sit up straight!
Cyst Removal
Posted by RW (OH) on 02/24/2024
★★★★★
My husband was suffering from sciatica for many months without relief. He could not sleep and was in constant pain. The only thing that helped somewhat, was walking. Finally, a doctor ordered an MRI of his back, and a cyst was found inside his spine. He had surgery to decrease the cyst as much as possible, and when he got home he said he had no pain in his legs. He continues to improve and now has no pain. He came home from the hospital the same day as the surgery.
Water
Posted by Caroline (British Columbia) on 05/26/2023
★★★★★
I had bad sciatica pain years ago but the thing that cured me instantly was drinking water. I read online that anything to do with disc pain is dehydration...a bell went off....I went straight to the water tap and never had it again. The reason I got it was I was on a colon cleanse that pulled too much water...didn't drink extra as they recommend. you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces or you are dehydrated like 75% of the population.
You may fix everything that's wrong!!!
Magnets
Posted by Olivia (Ningi ) on 06/13/2023
Well…there is a web site “ Microwaterman “ & he sells lots of things but he sells the book + magnets
book is “ Conquering Pain “
really great information in there…rare earth magnets are more powerful than ordinary magnets (10x) & are best. Magnets are forever so once purchased no more outlay..you need the book to optimise the placement of the magnets. The book will show you how to place the magnets for best affect and also how to set up circuits with the magnets because the human body runs certain electrical circuits, very weak circuits that can be stimulated with the magnets to get a more Speedy result… I hope this helps nothing worse than to be in pain…
Hyaluronic Acid
Posted by Barbara (Idaho) on 12/31/2022
★★★★★
I have had sciatica for almost 40 yrs (happened during childbirth). I am now 70 and the episodes are lasting longer and are more frequent. This last bout lasted almost 4 months. I have tried the tennis shoe and ball technique, ginger slices, inflammatory supplements, blackstrap molasses, lysine, dmso (for pain, but made my breath stink)..etc. Finally came across the Hyaluronic acid recipe (Ted's recipe) and after 2 weeks I am back to normal! Other remedies that I feel contributed to my recovery is:
1. yoga (adapt and modify for your individual practice) and stretching out that piriformis muscle.
2. foam roller- I put pressure on that piriformis muscle (it hurts but consistency helped my leg)
3. chirp wheel- this is a shark tank product that aligns your spine!
BUT..so much relief from the Hyaluronic Acid recipe 3x a day on an empty stomach. I am so grateful!!!
Hope this helps someone else as Sciatica is so debilitating and painful. Good Luck!
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 05/18/2022
Hello Tap Out Stress Mary Cassidy,
A herniated disc pressing on the sciatic nerve (or possibly osteoarthritis?)
Yes, the candied ginger does seem to be a quick (temporary) fix for sciatica and sacro-iliac problems.
However, all that sugar is no good long term!
Maybe switch to a once per day Arthritis Smoothie as follows:-
Almond Milk 1 cup / Turmeric 1 tsp - 2 tbsp / Ginger 1 chunk 1/2" x 1/2" / Cinnamon 1/2 tsp / One Banana / Pineapple 1 cup / Vanilla extract 1 tsp / One large Carrot / Hemp seed 2 tbsp (optional).
All the above are among many ingredients recommended for arthritis treatment - there is no shortage! Some recommend using cow's milk if you cannot get almond milk but dairy consumption should be minimized for arthritis sufferers (also grains unfortunately) plus a host of others which you can research:- "Worst Ten Foods for Arthritis" that sort of thing...
Finding what best suits you is a journey you will need to embark upon for yourself. My only other advice is to try alternatives for a month or so before giving up.
I have learnt that with arthritis, it is as much about giving up some (dietary) things, as about taking correct supplements and exercising and getting good rest as well as developing good postural habits.
Get an "expert" to evaluate your sitting posture and acquire a good sitting habit. Makes a huge difference to sciatica.
Also, there are some very beneficial exercises on u tube that really do work for this condition - one shouldn't despair - help is at hand.
Meanwhile, enjoy the candied ginger lumps!
Please let us know how you progress.
Cheers from Down Under
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/16/2023
That is the product I recommend for herniated discs, back pain and regenerating the gums. Also it may help regenerate the joints but I have no experience with that nor how long it would take in your case.
Arthritis is a systemic infection.
What you use depends on how bad the infection is.
1) I would normally tell you to use ionic boron. That can be found on amazon. You could make your own from borax but amazon liquid drops are just more convenient. Plus it has some magnesium.
Ionic boron is more slow.
2) I would recommend minocycline if it is bad. Of course using antibiotics comes with a caveat.
You could be sensitive. I take it with bromelain to attack any biofilm. The positive thing about minocycline is that it doesn't wipe out your gut bacteria but only the gram positive gut bacteria so most good bacteria is protected.
You can go to calvet website.
You need to make an account because it will not show you the product minocycline without having an account. It's important the minocycline be a QUALITY one.
After making the account, just search for antibiotics minocycline. It will be container with 30 capsules. Take one twice every day with bromelain.
The alternative is to get a doctor to write a prescription. This can be yours or an online doctor. Some doctors may refuse or refer you to a specialists. The calvet website cuts thru the red tape.
People will claim other things work for arthritis but I think it is dependent on how severe the arthritis is. I had osteoarthritis so had to revert to the minocycline. It is used successfully in other chronic illnesses.
CBD Oil
Posted by Lorene (Montgomery, Tx) on 09/21/2020
★★★★★
I HAD Sciatica pain. 1) cause is neuropathy from Rx antibiotic drugs years ago. Haunting! Rips magnesium from the body causing inability to walk, stand, etc.
2) had MRI identify bad discs in spine, and Ankylosing Spondylitis disease. Also have 2 knee issues needing replaced, but declined. Had Hyalgen shots in knees, but still had odd electrical like jolt behind knee and in leg. Doc said Bakers Cyst. (humph....)
3) Suddenly my entire leg caved with jolting excruciating pain. I take lots of supplements for bone, joints, etc. knowing magnesium loss and use of Cipro drugs damage. Had lots of pain creams, but never total relief, and this pain was different and EXTREME! I had CBD Hemp Oil in my cupboard SUPER strength 1000mg with slight 0.3% THC in it. Sat on couch. 2 hours later, could move.
Overnight I was rescued with ability to walk!! Since I have continued daily use of CBD oil, I am nearly cured and comfortable. I know that the nerve damage is still there in feeling the tendon, but can swing my leg back and almost tight now, which was impossible before the CBD oil. I feel sold on this medicine. Only get CBD online and not in store-fronts. You want a GOOD product.
Hope you are as fortunate as me. I am 80 years old and "walking". No, the disease does not go away, damage is done, but walking is good.
Tennis Shoe Technique
Posted by Rita (Jersey) on 09/28/2017
I think the shoe method works because you are getting pressure off the sciatic nerve and getting the spine into better alignment. Sitting cross-legged sometimes helps with this, too.
Modern cushy furniture is murder on the back and the nerves in it.
Tennis Shoe Technique
Posted by Mary (Usa) on 06/26/2020
How does one sit on a shoe? Is it under the leg or between the legs?
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Rose (pennsylva nia) on 08/23/2022
I heard that ginger can be used for parasites so maybe do a parasite cleanse I been using wormwood and black nut oil to help me. Tastes like sh#t but you will feel better after feeling like sh#t off and on but the parasites come out! I took pics
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by joseph (canada) on 03/16/2025
★★★★★
worried about sugar no problem]
buy the candied ginger slices
soak them boling hot water remove and eat
sugar will melt.
cheers
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Sunshine (Dana Point, Ca) on 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?
Shea Butter
Posted by Jeweline (San Antonio, Tx) on 01/05/2011
★★★★★
I have sciatica, my husband has had 4 back surgeries. We've tried everything--finally tried shea butter used it liberally on areas of concern. Shared some with others--and all want to purchase. Give it a shot--at the very least, your skin will be healthy!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Marykaylady (Tempe, Az, Usa) on 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
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 06/16/2015
Arnica Montana is great for pain. Also, most pharmacies have Arnica gel for pain. It comes in a tube.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Anna (Philadelphia, PA) on 02/19/2009
★★★★★
My husband had his sciatica pain gone in few minutes after eating ginger by itself (candidized or powdered).
Chair Exercise
Posted by Kim (Coast, Oregon) on 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!
Chair Exercise
Posted by Realeone2 (Ssi, Ga) on 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!
Ice Pack
Posted by BECKIE (OR) on 10/09/2026
★★★★★
I absolutely agree about using ice. I have had several sciatic flareups and using ice has made a huge difference and faster recovery. For me, I also use a sciatic belt whenever I go outside to chop wood, haul gravel, dirt, chips, mow, weedeat, etc. It helps a lot to keep it away. I only use it when I am doing physical labor.
Moringa
Posted by Joyce (Blue Springs Missouri) on 06/11/2026
★★★★★
I have arthritis in my lower back and suffer from sciatica nerve pain. I was in extreme pain and don't like taking pain meds subscribe by my doctor. I was searching on YouTube for natural remedies and came across a older gentleman that used powder moringa for relief. I ordered some from Amazon. I make my own capsules and take them faithfully. I slacked for a month or so and the pain returned with a vengeance. Let's just say that I won't do that again. It works wonders!
Magnets
Posted by Susan K (Springfield MO) on 05/24/2023
Dr Norman Shealy has recommended 50,000 units Vit D weekly for many years! (Father of Holistic Health)
Magnets
Posted by Gary (Kitchener On) on 05/24/2023
Hi Chris
Yes, 60,000 Vit.D3 in 3 days.
It works well on fixing the nervous system.
All the best,
Gary
Tennis Shoe Technique
Posted by M in M (Md) on 09/10/2022
Motivational Doc (Dr.Alan Mandell) has a seated piriformis stretch video…..might help.
Tennis Shoe Technique
Posted by Gravitas (London, United Kingdom) on 11/17/2023
★★★★★
The tennis shoe is placed between the legs. You should feel pressure on both of your "sit bones". I'm using it now, it really works.
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/15/2023
★★★★★
That's strange. You can find it on amazon and many other health supplement websites. I use "Doctor Best" brand because it is lowest cost. Maybe outside the US, it could be a problem. You look at the back label to determine it's from Biocell.
If it works, please post information on other sites. Sciatica is a very terrible thing to permanently have. Or a nightmare if it is severe.
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 10/12/2024
2 capsules on empty stomach with water every day.
Higher doses may heal you faster.
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/11/2025
I take it as I need it. No maintenance dose. I can go months without taking it. Experiment and see what is best for you.
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Chondroitin Sulfate
Posted by Ruralady (Illinois) on 04/17/2025
Yoga is excellent but not with a slipped disc, you're going to need an Inversion table along with collagen rebuilders.
Vegan Diet
Posted by flcoffeequeen (Florida) on 11/09/2025
★☆☆☆☆
As someone who has been vegan for almost 6 years and is here looking at remedies for sciatica, I can confirm eating vegan is better in many other aspects but does not help sciatica.
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by 2q&learn (Western) on 01/01/2018 178 posts
I've had some discomfort after ingesting powdered ginger root in just water. Never when I took it in my food, though. You don't want to overdo it, either. Too much of anything can cause problems!
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Jean (New York City) on 06/27/2017
Thank you for your story. I just chopped up some ginger and then ate three pieces of candied ginger. I am going to eat it several times today. I am praying for relief from this sciatic pain in my leg. If it works I will write back. Thank you again for passing on this information
Candied Ginger Slices
Posted by Wellspruce (Juneau, Ak, Usa) on 03/02/2013
★★★★★
Thank you Namiyah from Westport, OR so much for the magnesium oil with vit E in rollon remmendation. I'm adding that to my list of remedies. I MUST TELL YOU ALL, I "tentatively" testify that I DO BELIEVE the ginger, both ground and raw, I've been taking since night before last is HELPING me. I have slept through most of the night the last two nights which is first for me in months, and though I did wake once or twice with horrific pain, that's usual,
that first night I began the ginger I didn't wake with severe pain last night.
Last night before bed I spent about a half hour, 1. Rubbing my L's and lower S's and the entire siatic nerve path down leg to just below the knee where the pain ends, with cream methyl silicylate 17% with menthol USP 12% (probably 12-15 min. ),
2. Doing the exercises recommended on this site where you cross your ankle over knee then pull knee toward opposite shoulder and hold 20 or 30 seconds; doing both sides. This feels GREAT and I highly recommend for anyone not just siatic sufferers. I also did this as recommended every time I sat down yesterday and again today.
3. I also developed and performed other joint stretches in lower back and hip joints I thought would help, I did them GENTLY. Be careful.
4. I increased my B12 intake to 2000 mg morning, and an additional B12 2000 mb at evening (began the increase last night). B12 was reported on the Earthclinic under the siatica site to have cured someone's siatica.
5. The last thing I did was take about a half teaspoon of ground ginger in a finger of water before bed along with 800 mg ibuprophen. I had taken the ground or raw every three or four hrs during the day.
I don't like taking ibuporphen so will probably not take it tonight. Hoping for at least similar experience of last night.
Still awaiting the sacral wedge I ordered.
Will continue to report back. Thank you all so much for input.
