Sciatica

Excerpts from the entry on Sciatica in Relieving Pain Naturally by Dr. Sylvia Goldfarb and Roberta W. Waddell. For full entries on all 37 conditions and 27 treatments, order the book.

The sciatic nerve, the largest and longest nerve in the body, is about as thick as your thumb. It originates in the lumbar region of the back, passes between the vertebrae, runs through the pelvic bones and hip joint, then down the back and side of the leg all the way to the foot. When it becomes compressed, inflamed, or irritated, the severe pain known as sciatica occurs. During some time in life, about 40 percent of the population experiences some degree of sciatica.

Also in this entry:

• Symptoms
• Common Causes
• Diagnosing the Problem
• Conventional Treatments
• Effective Conventional Treatments
• Problems with Some Conventional Treatments
• Self-Help Alternative Treatments
• Assisted Alternative Treatments
• Practical Suggestions

See below for full list of all conditions and treatments in the book. Or, download a complete Condition entry or Treatment entry for free.