Chronic pain is no joke and sciatica pain is definitely no punchline.
That striking pain that shoots up and down your leg is like a cry from your muscles screaming “help me human!”.
Fear no longer little muscles! Help is on the way!
But first…
What is sciatica pain?
Sciatica is a term that describes the symptoms relating to lower back and leg pain when the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body) becomes irritated. The pain can start in the lower back and shoot down through the buttocks and onto the upper and lower leg.
What are the symptoms?
- trouble standing up and/or walking
- burning and tingling pain or numbness not only in lower back and leg but sometimes in the foot as well
- chronic pain or pain that worsens when sitting
- chronic pain on only one side of the leg or buttocks
So what’s Capsaicin got to do with it?
The compound, Capsaicin, which is the spicy hot element found in chili peppers can help with sciatica pain by numbing the nerve ending that causes the discomfort. You can purchase over the counter creams that contain Capsaicin as its primary and potent ingredient. Many of the creams are odor-free and penetrate deep into the painful nerve.
You can also make your own warming salve for your sciatica pain by using Jalapeños whose key compound is Capsaicin.
Homemade Capsaicin Cream Recipe for Sciatica and other Aches + Pains
- one Jalapeno (or a small amount of habanero powder)
- shea or cocoa buttercream/lotion
Cut the jalapeño, scoop out the seeds. Fill a small empty jar or container with cocoa buttercream or lotion and add a few of the jalapeño seeds (8-12 seeds work best). Mix together. Take a small amount of cream and rub over the sore areas. Do not apply to broken skin, open cuts, or wounds.
