| The discs separate the vertebrae and
thereby allow room for the sciatic nerve to properly exit through the sacral
portion of the pelvis into the leg. The discs will cushion the spine from
compressive forces, but have weakness with regards to the pressure
applied during rotational movements. That is why a person who bends
over to one side at a bad angle to pick up a piece of paper may be more
likely to herniate the disc than a person falling off a ladder and landing
on their back. Compression of the sciatic nerve from a disc herniation
occurs when the center of the disc bulges outward, tearing the outside
ring of fibers and ballooning itself onto the root and thus causing sciatica.
Other compressive spinal type of causes include Spinal Canal Stenosis, a
condition in which the canal that the spine runs through narrows to
compress the cord itself. This canal narrowing can lead to a decreased
space for the sciatic nerve to exit, and thus cause a pinching and friction
irritation. The sciatic nerve runs through a muscle in the buttocks region
called the piriformis. When the muscle shortens or spasms due to trauma,
it can compress the sciatic nerve. This cause of sciatica symptoms is known
as Piriformis Syndrome. The approach to treating Sciatica is to reduce the
compressive forces that are causing the pressure on the nerve. This can
be accomplished through traction and realignment therapeutic procedures
in the case where it is spinal related. Manual muscle stretching, massage
and mobilization techniques should be utilized when it is piriformis related.
General goals include helping the muscles to loosen up and thereby lessen
the pain and to minimize any inflammation. The listed Therapies, Products
and Activities section will give more information on how to help your
condition, however, as each Sciatica condition is different, always consult
your doctor to determine what treatment is right for your particular situation.
Topical Analgesics for Pain Relief
Over-the-counter sprays, sports creams and ointments that have analgesic
properties can be useful for pain control of the Sciatica, without any intestinal
side-effects. Menthol is the active ingredient which works to block pain receptors
and help relieve pain in the soft tissue and joints. The higher the menthol
percentage,the stronger the formula. Some companies use as much as 16
percent menthol, but that much is not necessary to achieve results and can
cause burning side effects. Menthol can be derived naturally from peppermint
or be synthetically produced. Natural menthol penetrates the skin more
effectively. Other ingredients such as capsaicin, peppermint and eucalyptus
can also help to block pain. Keep in mind that capsaicin or capsicum are
responsible for the burning/tingling sensation that occurs in the same pepper
spray that police use to stop attackers. Use of these Cayenne pepper derivatives
can leave residual numbness and tingling in an area for days after each use.
Some companies are also using other herbs believed to have natural healing,
relaxing and mild anti-inflammatory properties such as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
and Glucosamine, but most only add trivial amounts. Glucosamine and MSM
are usually taken in oral pill form. Dosages usually range between 1,000-1,500
mg a day. Glucosamine is currently undergoing many trials to determine
effectiveness for helping cartilage repair. Studies have demonstrated that
patients with deterioration of joint cartilage halt and even regenerate the tissue
after taking Glucosamine for at least six weeks.
For a topical pain reliever to work effectively it needs to have a good transport
mechanism (ability to let ingredients be able to pass through the first layer
of skin down to the deeper tissues below). In theory, supplements such as
Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM have small enough
molecules to pass through the skin barrier and not just affect the top of
the skin, but rather penetrate deeper down. Because Glucosamine and
MSM absorb so well, they also make great skin conditioners. Where as
taking Glucosamine and MSM will affect your whole body, placing it over
an area can add 28 times more than a pill would provide over a specific
area. Topical pain relievers with oils and waxy substances like glycerin,
strearic acid and cetyl alcohol would make a poor transport mechanism
for ingredients like Glucosamine and MSM, yet some companies continue
to use this ingredient. While methyl and propyl paraben are preservatives
that offer an indefinite shelf life, they also lessen the penetration of a
topical pain reliever. Therefore, the best type of topical analgesic is
one that combines good powerful natural ingredients, with a good transport
mechanism that has no preservatives, but also no oils to block penetration
or eventually turn the formula rancid. Therapain Plus (shown below) meets the above criteria and has proven successful with the patients we surveyed.
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Therapain
Plus® Natural Topical Spray with Glucosamine
and MSM for Sciatica
