Essential oils can help relieve the pain of sciatica

Essential oils can help relieve the pain of sciatica

Our nerves run through our body and carry information to the central nucleus (central nervous system) as well as information via motor neurons. If an impact or illness occurs somewhere along its path, it can cause pain (neuralgia) and inflammation (neuritis), which can lead to destruction of the nerves (neuropathy). Sciatica is a particularly painful inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the sacral area down the leg.

There can be many causes of sciatica, including disc disease, bony surgery, and inflammation of the nerves caused by a viral infection. Nerve irritation can also be caused by damage to the discs between the vertebrae. Damage to the disc can be caused by simple “wear and tear” on the outer ring of the disc, or by traumatic injury, or both.

As a result, the central, softer part of the disc ruptures or protrudes through the outer ring of the disc and can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This fracture causes the commonly recognized “sciatica” pain that shoots down the leg. Sciatica may be preceded by a history of localized lower back pain or may be followed by a “popping” sensation and accompanied by numbness and tingling.

The pain usually increases with movement at the waist and may increase with coughing or sneezing. In more severe cases, sciatica may be accompanied by incontinence of the bladder and/or bowel.

Western medicine treatments range from medical management to surgery. If there is unrelenting pain, severe dysfunction, or incontinence (which may indicate spinal cord irritation), surgery may be necessary.

Essential oils can help with sciatica pain

If there is pressure and pain, the person may not be able to stand up or walk straight, and the pain may be unbearable. A number of essential oils can help relieve pain and irritation, reduce swelling and inflammation, and give the back time to heal. Essential oils can detoxify, relax and reduce swelling in muscle tissue. A muscle responds to pain with a reflex contraction.

This causes blood flow to the area to become obstructed. Less oxygen and glucose and the decrease in blood flow cause the removal of toxins and waste products to slow. Inflammation, muscle soreness and pain are the result.

o Helichrysum, peppermint, nutmeg, thyme, spruce, wintergreen/birch, basil, rosemary, clove, tarragon.

o Blends-Aroma Siez, PanAway, Relief It, Aroma Life

o Compression warm if there is no inflammation; Cold for inflammation 1-2 times a day as needed.

o Especially for Muscle Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Relieve It, PanAway

o Especially for cramps-Aroma Siez with Ortho Ease or Ortho Sport massage oils

o Dilute topically 50-50, 6-10 drops twice daily or as needed

o Raindrop technique 2-3 times a week in acute situations and 2-3 times a month for chronic illnesses. (Raindrop technique uses 9 essential oils that are “feathered” into the spine with a light touch)

I have found helichrysum followed by peppermint to be particularly helpful in relieving sciatica pain. Another essential oil that I would highly recommend is Palo Santo (which means “holy wood”). This oil comes from South America and has pain-relieving properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

This oil has a high limonene content of up to 65%, making it an excellent anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic oil. It was used to heal fractures and get people out of wheelchairs. Using a combination of Palo Santo and frankincense for pain and bone rejuvenation (including Idaho Balsam Fir) shortens recovery time.

Inspired by Linda Lee Smith