Sciatica DietA sciatica diet is a popular treatment option for a variety of potentially problematic spinal conditions which may lead to sciatic nerve pain. While eating a proper and well balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health, there is little evidence that diet alone will do anything at all to counter the ravages of sciatica.
Losing weight is always a good choice for people who are considerably overweight. Being
obese
presents serious health risks, which are far worse than
back pain,
including increased chance for fatal stroke, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Losing weight might also help to alleviate pressure on sensitized spinal structures, since less weight on the anatomical frame translates into less stress on a problematic
herniated disc
or problematic vertebrae. While going on a diet might not cure your
sciatica pain,
it will certainly help to make you healthier and may reduce your symptoms enough to avoid drastic treatment, such as
surgery.
It is important to get the recommended daily supply of certain vitamins and minerals, in order to insure healthy bones and a strong spine. Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are all necessary to build strong bones and avoid degenerative conditions, such as osteoporosis. Other vitamins which help insure proper nerve function and general spinal health include: vitamin B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C. Glucosamine and chondroitin are 2 dietary supplements often thought to help create and maintain a healthy spine. These substances can be purchased as dietary supplements and are usually used to rebuild damaged or lost cartilage, fighting off the osteoarthritic and degenerative processes which attack the spinal joints. Herbal Sciatica DietThere are many herbs and herbal extracts which have been theorized to create a healthy spine, optimize neurological function or even reduce pain. Herbal cures and supplements may be highly effectual for some forms of pain and completely useless for others. Additionally, the freshness, quality and mixture of herbal ingredients can have a substantial effect on their efficacy. To insure the best use of herbs or natural botanical extracts as a sciatica treatment, consult with a qualified nutritionist or certified herbalist for advice. Be especially cautious of so-called “miracle cures” which are sold in health food stores and online.Sciatica Diet AdviceSciatica patients typically turn to dietary alteration as a potential therapy option when other more traditional medical and complementary treatments have failed. This is usually a desperation move, rather than a truly indicated therapy modality. Dietary changes are often recommended by care providers who just happen to sell the very same supplements and herbal products they recommend. What a coincidence! I am sure the economic motivation has nothing at all to do with the prescription…If you eat right and maintain good general health, there is no reason to feel that changing your diet will help or hurt your sciatica. Many patients who associate dietary changes with helping or hindering their back pain symptoms are merely experiencing sciatica related conditioning. If you are interested in what constitutes a healthy diet, talk to your doctor for advice and make sure to use common sense when planning your daily consumption of food, fat and calories. Sciatica Diet to Sciatica 1/6/09 Revised 7/26/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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