I've had a few bouts with sciatica, enough to know I don't want to experience another one. The first one I ever had was long before there was an internet to get so much wonderful info from. Hitting my reference books at the time, I learned that it was probably from an overly acidic condition that was irritating the sciatic nerve (I now know that I have degenerated disks that made the area susceptible to this acidity.)
I had been experimenting with heavy doses of ascorbic acid, so this made sense. I used small amounts of bicarb, 1/4 tsp here and there and found it very helpful. Some more research uncovered the role of thiamin/B-1 in alleviating anything to do with both an acid condition as well as anything to do with nerves. In the past 2 yrs I've kept Benfotiamine in the house and any time the sciatic nerve acts up, it's the first thing I reach for. It's a form of B-1 used by diabetics for thier diabetic neuropathy, and it's fat soluble. Works wonders for sciatica! Of course, till the flare up dies down, I also use a heating pad, Advil, sometimes 1/2 valium while waiting for the Benfo and bicarb to do their wonders. Starshar Hi, Dianne, For Sciatica relief, I'll second the suggestion of taking L-Lysine! Worked for me. I'd suggest also adding Vitamin E to help combat internal scarring. You can google stretching exercises, the one that worked the best for me was stand with hands on hips and knees slightly bent, arch back slowly and slightly. Let us know when you start feeling better! Take care, Cindy L-lysine is an essential amino acid for humans and therefore must be supplied in the diet. For years, lysine has been considered in the treatment of herpes and cold sores, and more recently, has been attracting attention as a possible addition to the fast-growing list of muscle-building nutrients. L-lysine helps to build muscle protein, it is good for those recovering from surgery and sports injuries. http://www.herbs-wholesale.com/article/l-lysine.asp Vitamin E belongs to a family of fat-soluble compounds. It is available in different forms, the most common and potent being alpha tocopherol. Its main function is as an antioxidant. It Beneficial Effectss destruction of fats and vitamin A in the body by oxygen fragments. The vitamin also Enhances in the production of hormone-like substances that regulate blood pressure, reproduction, and muscle contraction. http://www.herbs-wholesale.com/Vitamin-E-512_info.htm
