What is Sciatica? Acute vs. Chronic
The pain felt in the sciatic nerve that follows from the lower back to the hips, buttocks, and leg is called Sciatica. It occurs mainly when pressure is put on a herniated disk or overgrowth of the bone.
Usually, after receiving therapy for a few weeks, the discomfort subsides, designating the sickness as acute. However, if unattended, it can make the discomfort persistent and last for more than a year, making it a chronic illness.
Symptoms
Sciatica pain symptoms are bound to follow from the buttock to the thigh and calf, starting from the lower back. It can result in sharp pain when sudden movement occurs, like sneezing or sitting down for a long time.
Sciatica doesn't typically occur in both legs simultaneously. While one leg feels the pain, the other can feel a numb, tingling sensation.
Possible Causes
A simple pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause Sciatica. The pressure can occur from an overgrowth of a bone, herniate, or slipped disk formation. The disks are formed when pressure is applied to the gel-like center, which causes the disk to bulge through the weak outer walls.
Other causes can be:
• Degenerative disk disease
• Spinal Stenos is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal, reducing the space for the spinal cord and nerves.
• Spondylolisthesis is the slipping of a vertebra above the next one, narrowing the pathway of nerves.
• Osteoarthritis is the bone sours forming in aging spines.
• Trauma to the nerves
• Tumor
• Piriformis Syndrome is a condition that makes the small muscles tighten or spasm.
• Causa Equina Syndrome affects the bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
Read More: What Causes Sciatica to Flare Up - Top 10 Triggers to Avoid
Is Turmeric Good for Sciatica?
The active ingredient, turmeric or curcumin, allows the binding of anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce sciatica pain and swelling. The reduction is made by reducing the levels of inflammation-stimulating enzymes.
Patricia Bannan, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Eat Right When Time is Tight, recommends that her clients replace salt with spicy herbs and spices like turmeric to help boost weight loss, fight inflammation, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
7 Turmeric Benefits for Sciatica & Back Pain
Due to its properties, turmeric can be taken as a natural ingredient to cure most diseases, calling it an herbal therapy. Here are 7 benefits of using turmeric to heal Sciatica and back pain:
#1. Reduces Chronic Inflammation
The use of dietary changes can help incur a positive change in the body, often reducing triggers that can cause inflammation.
#2. Improving Cognitive Function
Through research, experts came to a statement that due to the prevalence of turmeric in India, India has more elderly who show fewer signs of Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases than the rest of the population that doesn't consume turmeric.
#3. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases
It has been shown that it reduces the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and allows blood pressure to lower.
Read More: Top 5 Natural Cures for Chronic Pain
#4. Boosting Antioxidant Levels
It's essential to ensure that our intake of antioxidants remains high to keep our cells healthy and fight the signs of aging.
#5. Improves Skin Health
The active ingredient known as curcumin helps improve the appearance of scars and blemishes. It boosts collagen production and helps maintain healthy skin.
#6. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Curcumin is effective in regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
#7. Improves Gut Health
Due to the reduction in inflammation and growth of new good bacteria, turmeric helps fight against future diseases.
“It's one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories and a potent antioxidant,” says Melina Jampolis, M.D., a nutritional physician specialist, author of Spice It Up: Live Long, and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “It works on a molecular level to down-regulate inflammatory genes. No one thing will be the cure or preventative for everything, but turmeric is up there.”
Read More: 5 Foods to Fight Inflammation
#8. Helps with Pinched Nerves
Curcumin, a potent antioxidant, can help relieve peripheral neuropathy. Its components include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. The symptoms are addressed and help prevent chronic pain, promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
Different Types of Turmeric
The spice is mainly famous and originates from India; it has been doing so for decades and offers 30 different types of unique varieties that are a part of respective regions.
Here are the 7 types of turmeric available:
1. Lakadong
2. Alleppey
3. Madras
4. Rajapore
5. Sangli
6. Erode
7. Nizamabad bulb
Different Forms of Turmeric
Turmeric is a multi-purpose ingredient. You can use it in different ways for a multitude of benefits. Here are a few ways you can use it:
Turmeric Pain Relief Cream
Turmeric Pain relief Cream is essential for lower pain in the lower back to the end of the leg. A study shows that 5% of curcumin ointments can reduce knee pain in older people who suffer from Osteoarthritis.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea has many benefits, some of which are listed below:
• High in Vitamins and minerals
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties
• Soothes sore throats
• Boosts your immune system
• Improves mental focus
• Soothes headaches
• Boosts mood
• Good for skin
Here is how you can create the perfect turmeric ginger herbal tea for you and your loved ones:
1. Bring the water to a boil, and add turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes
3. Strain the tea into a large glass.
4. Add honey and serve with a lemon wedge.
Turmeric Smoothie
This smoothie recipe is for you if you prefer turmeric-flavored food and drinks. All you need is the following:
• 3 stalks of carrot
• 1 ½ cups of chopped oranges
• 1 ½ cups of coconut water
• 1-inch fresh ginger
• pinch of black pepper
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Place in the bowl of a blender and blend.
2. Serve immediately, as fresh as it can be.
Turmeric Paste
Learning to make turmeric paste is a lifesaver as you can use it as it is or incorporate it in different recipes to ensure that you get the full healing benefits from the spice. Here's how you can make a turmeric paste. What you'll need:
• ½ cup ground turmeric spice
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 cup water
• optional maple syrup or honey to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the ground turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, coconut oil, fresh ginger, and water in a saucepan and place over medium-low heat.
2. Allow the ingredients to combine by mixing until the coconut has fully melted.
3. Transfer to a jar with a lid.
Turmeric Golden Milk
Turmeric golden milk offers a lieu of healing properties that are beneficial for your health. Here are the ingredients you'll need and how to make them:
• 2 ½ cups of whole-fat almond or coconut milk, unsweetened.
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 2 inches of fresh Turmeric
• 1-inch fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil
• Pinch black pepper
• One tablespoon of maple syrup or honey.
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, you should place the milk, cinnamon stick, turmeric, ginger, coconut oil, and black pepper.
2. Cook the ingredients, stirring frequently.
3. Ensure it's warm and not boiling.
4. Strain the cups if you've used fresh ingredients.
How to Take the Right Dosage for Turmeric - Types of Turmeric
Studies show that a daily dosage of 500-2000 mg of turmeric is the best way to take turmeric. You can create different dishes incorporating this spice to ensure that the herbal properties interact well with the consumer's body.
How Often Should You Take Turmeric
The arthritis foundation requires its patient to take 400-600mg turmeric capsules 3 times a day, while the standard ratio for non-arthritis patients is 500-2000mg a day. It's hard for your body to absorb the spice yourself, so the doctors suggest taking turmeric with black pepper and olive oil.
Turmeric Side Effects
It's safe to consume turmeric for a short-term period. The 8 grams of turmeric can be consumed daily, which is safe for 2 months. Its side effects include upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea if consumed too much. It is also safe to apply on the skin and used as a mouthwash.
Conclusion
Using turmeric, a herbal medicine in the shape of a spice can provide a lot of aid to patients suffering from chronic and acute diseases. Regular usage of this magical spice can benefit your health in multiple ways.