Sciatica

Why it works: Mechanisms relevant to nerve-root pain: Ginger bioactives (6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, zingerone, paradol) inhibit NF-κB/COX-2 signaling and modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., T...

Instructions: There’s no established, sciatica-specific dose. NCCIH explicitly notes that ginger’s benefits and dosing vary by condition and study. The ranges below reflect what’s commonly used...

Warnings: Start with food/tea first. Example: 1–2 g fresh ginger steeped as tea, 1–3×/day, for 2–4 weeks. Trac...

Studies: Human evidence directly in sciaticaNo completed RCTs yet. On...

Why it works: Sciatica pain is most often driven by inflammation around a compressed or irritated lumbar nerve root. Boswellia’s major acids—especially AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid)—dow...

Instructions: There is no sciatica-specific dosing guideline. Clinicians extrapolate from musculoskeletal pain and osteoarthritis trials. Common, studied options:. Standardized Boswellia extract...

Warnings: Bleeding risk & anticoagulants/antiplatelets: Boswellia may increase bleeding risk or alter levels o...

Studies: Direct sciatica evidencePreclinical/animal data only (AKBA a...

Why it works: Analgesic alkaloids target neuropathic pain pathways. Corydalis contains isoquinoline alkaloids—especially dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) and (l-)tetrahydropalmatine (THP)—that show ant...

Instructions: Forms: dried rhizome (decoction/tea), powdered herb/granules, or standardized extracts/formulas (e.g., the classic two-herb formula Yuanhu Zhitong that pairs Corydalis with Angelic...

Warnings: Liver toxicity (most important): THP (a key Corydalis alkaloid) has been linked to hepatitis/liver i...

Studies: Mechanism/hard science (strongest area):DHCB identified as a...

Why it works: DHJST is the classic formula for wind-cold-damp Bi with underlying Liver/Kidney & Qi/Blood deficiency—a pattern that often presents as chronic low-back pain with radiating leg pain...

Instructions: Classical composition (one decoction)—typical gram weights below (clinicians individualize):. Du Huo 9g; Sang Ji Sheng 18g; Du Zhong 9g; Niu Xi 9g; Xi Xin 3g; Qin Jiao 9g; Fu Ling...

Warnings: Pattern mismatch. Do not use DHJST for heat-Bi, acute hot swelling, or frank yin deficiency; it can...

Studies: Systematic review & meta-analysis (2020; 13 RCTs, modifi...

Why it works: What it is (in TCM terms). Yao Tong Pian is a Chinese patent formula used for low-back pain patterns such as Kidney deficiency with blood stasis and “wind-cold-damp” obstruction—th...

Instructions: Dose (frequent China-label directions): 6 tablets, 3× daily, taken with warm salt water (“盐开水送服”). Some brands specify short courses: do not exceed one week continuously; rest...

Warnings: Pregnancy: Multiple manufacturer/retailer listings explicitly contraindicate use in pregnancy. Avoid...

Studies: Direct RCTs of Yao Tong Pian for sciatica: There are no high...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects. Devil’s claw contains iridoid glycosides (esp. harpagoside) that down-regulate inflammatory pathways (NF-κB), lowering COX-2 and iNOS expressio...

Instructions: Standardized extracts (capsules/tablets). • Many clinical trials used products standardized to harpagoside 50–100 mg per day for ~2–4 weeks, sometimes up to 6 weeks. Cochrane. • In...

Warnings: Gastrointestinal: Avoid if you have active gastric/duodenal ulcers; stop if GI symptoms occur. (EMA...

Studies: Cochrane systematic review (2014 update). For non-specific l...

Why it works: Mechanism: Willow bark supplies salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid (aspirin-like). This inhibits COX enzymes → reduces prostaglandins → anti-inflammatory/analgesic effec...

Instructions: Choose a standardized extract. • Look for products standardized to deliver salicin 60–120 mg once daily, or up to 240 mg/day in divided or single dose—these are the doses used in t...

Warnings: Because willow bark behaves like aspirin, the usual salicylate precautions apply:. • Bleeding risk /...

Studies: Randomized & controlled trials / reviews (low-back pain)...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory + antioxidant actions: Curcumin (from turmeric) down-regulates inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α). Pre-clinical work in lumbar radiculopathy models...

Instructions: There’s no sciatica-specific, guideline-endorsed dosing. The below reflects common clinical-trial regimens used for other inflammatory conditions and one small radiculopathy study—...

Warnings: Liver injury (rare, but real): Australia’s TGA and the U.S. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network have r...

Studies: Direct sciatica/radiculopathy evidenceExploratory clinical s...

Why it works: Mechanism: Capsaicin activates the TRPV1 channel on pain-sensing C-fibers. With repeated exposure (or one high-dose exposure), these fibers become functionally “desensitized” and n...

Instructions: A) Over-the-counter (OTC) creams/gels/lotions (0.025%–0.1%). Frequency: Apply a thin film to the painful area 3–4 times daily, rubbing in well. Consistency matters; relief often im...

Warnings: Local reactions: Burning, stinging, erythema, itching, dryness—usually lessen with continued use (cr...

Studies: Strong evidence supports capsaicin (especially the 8% patch)...

Why it works: Mechanisms. Targeted movement reduces sensitivity and mechanical loading on the irritated nerve root, eases muscle spasm (e.g., piriformis/hamstrings), improves blood flow, and sup...

Instructions: Below are commonly used, low-risk options a physio may prescribe. Start gently; mild stretch is fine, sharp or spreading leg pain is a stop sign.. 1) Sciatic nerve “slider” (neural...

Warnings: Seek urgent medical care now (ED) if any “red flag” signs appear—do not continue to stretch through...

Studies: NICE evidence synthesis for sciatica (NG59). Supports advice...

Why it works: Heat increases local blood flow, relaxes muscle spasm, and may reduce stiffness via tissue effects (e.g., reduced fascial viscosity). These mechanisms can ease secondary muscle gua...

Instructions: During the first 48–72 hours of a flare (acute phase):. • Apply cold to the low back (where the nerve root irritation originates), not the leg.. • Use a wrapped ice pack (towel bar...

Warnings: Don’t put heat or ice on areas with impaired sensation or poor circulation (e.g., diabetic neuropath...

Studies: Cochrane systematic review (“Superficial heat or cold for lo...