Sciatica is an irritation of the nerve that leaves the spine in the low back. Pressure on this nerve causes burning, tingling, or shooting pain that can travel down the leg.
It is treated with exercise, physical therapy, and medicines. Some people may need surgery.
Natural Therapies
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Acetyl-L-carnitine E1
- Thioctic acid E1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution
Talk to your doctor about all herbs or supplements you are taking. Some may interact with your treatment plan or health conditions.
References
Acupuncture
REFA1 Fernandez M, Ferreira PH. Acupuncture for sciatica and a comparison with Western Medicine (PEDro synthesis). Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(6):539-540.
REFA2 Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang Z, Wang C, Ding W, Liu Z. A randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of electroacupuncture versus medium-frequency electrotherapy for discogenic sciatica. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9502718.
REFA3 Jordan J, Konstantinou K, et al. Herniated lumbar disc. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 26;2009. pii: 1118.
REFA4 Luijsterburg PA, Verhagen AP, et al. Effectiveness of conservative treatments for the lumbosacral radicular syndrome: a systematic review. Eur Spine J. 2007 Jul;16(7):881-899.
Yoga
REFB1 Monro R, Bhardwaj AK, et al. Disc extrusions and bulges in nonspecific low back pain and sciatica: Exploratory randomised controlled trial comparing yoga therapy and normal medical treatment. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2015;28(2):383-392.
Spinal Manipulation
REFC1 Lewis RA, Williams NH, et al. Comparative clinical effectiveness of management strategies for sciatica: systematic review and network meta-analyses. Spine J. 2015 Jun 1;15(6):1461-1477.
REFC2 McMorland G, Suter E, et al. Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010 Oct;33(8):576-584.
REFC3 Jordan J, Konstantinou K, et al. Herniated lumbar disc. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 26;2009. pii: 1118.
REFC4 Luijsterburg PA, Verhagen AP, et al. Effectiveness of conservative treatments for the lumbosacral radicular syndrome: a systematic review. Eur Spine J. 2007 Jul;16(7):881-899.
REFC5 Santilli V, Beghi E, et al. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J. 2006 Mar-Apr;6(2):131-137.
Massage
REFD1 Jordan J, Konstantinou K, et al. Herniated lumbar disc. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009 Mar 26;2009. pii: 1118.
Herbs and Supplements
REFE1 Memeo A, Loiero M. Thioctic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of sciatic pain caused by a herniated disc: a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. Clin Drug Investig. 2008;28(8):495-500.