Easing Sciatic Nerve Pain Through Clinical Nutrition

Sciatica is condition that causes pain in the back, hip, and outer side of the leg. Sciatica is caused by compression of the largest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve, which begins in the lower back and travels down the buttock and the length of the leg.

Sciatica can occur suddenly and be a painfully debilitating new experience, or it can be a recurring condition that you have lived with for many years. Dr. Barry Goldstein, a clinical nutritionist in Times Square, realizes that often, sciatica is treated with varying anti-inflammatories and over-the-counter medications. What most people who suffer from sciatica do not realize is that clinical nutrition is a powerful tool when combating sciatica.

A high percentage of sciatica sufferers are able to relieve their pain by altering their diets. Follow the below diet tips to alleviate sciatic nerve pain through clinical nutrition:

  • Sometimes, sciatica can be triggered by poor diet that causes constipation. You should incorporate fiber rich foods and add a lot of fruits and vegetables in order to prevent constipation.
  • Oily fish such as salmon and halibut that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids
  • Fresh pineapples and berries are anti-inflammatories that aid in healing and also boost the immune system
  • Drink 2-3 cups of green tea
  • Add turmeric, ginger, and garlic to your meals
  • B-Vitamins are very important to take in when suffering from sciatic nerve pain, and can be found in green peas, spinach, navy beans, nuts, bananas, etc.
  • Foods rich in A-Vitamins such as dairy products, dark leafy vegetables, orange colored fruits, eggs, and oily fish.
  • Foods rich in C-Vitamins, especially citrus and tomatoes
  • K-Vitamins sources such as broccoli and spinach
  • Drink plenty of water, between 1.5-3 liters a day

What to avoid:

  • Clinical nutritionists in Times Square recommend cutting out animal products besides oily fish for the first two weeks.
  • Avoid foods that contain sunflower oil, corn oil, sesame oil, margarine, and partially hydrogenated oil.
  • Stay away from stressor foods such as caffeine, processed food, soda, refined sugars, and chocolate.

Alcohol and cigarettes also produce a stress reaction in the body, so be sure to stay away from those products as well.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatica nerve runs from your lower back and down each of your legs to your toes. It is responsible for sending signals from your brain to your legs by telling them when and how to move. One of the most common complaints that Dr. Barry Goldstein, a chiropractor in New York City, receives on a daily basis is in regards to sciatic nerve pain.

The Garment District chiropractor knows that Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis, it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. It is a lay term for the pain that is caused by the various causes of sciatica, which can be extremely painful.

Some of the causes of sciatica are:

  • A trapped nerve in the lumbar spine affecting the sciatic nerve
  • Herniated disc
  • Piriformis syndrome, which is when the piriformis muscle gets tight and irritates the nerve.
  • Trigger points or knots in the muscles of the buttocks or low back that causes pain down the leg(s).

Dr. Barry believes that chiropractic adjustments can aid sciatica through the use of massages, stretching, and ice therapy. With the New York chiropractor’s approach you are addressing any misalignments of the spine and pelvis, which will take the pressure off of the nerves and will aid in the recovery of any slipped discs. Along with the chiropractic adjustments, a massage will relax the muscles around the spine and will relax any trigger points.

If you live in New York City and need chiropractic treatment for sciatica, then call Dr. Barry at (212)247-4330 for a free consultation today!