Sciatica is a debilitating lower back condition that affects approximately 10-40% of the population. Despite such frequency, there are plenty of misunderstandings when it comes to this condition, preventing people from getting better.
The good news is that most sciatica cases respond well to treatment and movement. Therefore, they can be managed with natural herbal products such as kratom.
Let’s take a look at whether you can take kratom for sciatica and which strains are best.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a form of back pain that results from the compression, pinching, inflammation, or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic, also known as the ischiatic, nerve is the longest nerve in the human body.
The sciatic nerve starts in your lower back. Then, it branches out and runs on either side of your back body through your hips, glutes, and legs down to your feet. It provides sensation to the skin of your feet as well as the legs except for their inner parts.
Sciatica pain manifests along the length of the sciatic nerve and normally affects only one side of the body. Pain occurs at the back or side of the legs.
Symptoms of Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain can radiate anywhere on the sciatic nerve pathway. However, in most cases, it’s felt from the lumbar spine to the buttock, thigh, or calf, usually in the back or the side of the leg.
It can vary in intensity ranging from mild ache or discomfort to sharp and burning sensation, feeling of a jolt of electric shock, or even intolerable pain.
Some individuals may also experience muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling on the side that’s affected by the pain. Feeling pain in one area of the affected leg and numbness in a different area of the same leg is also possible.
Causes of Sciatica
One of the most common causes of sciatica pain is issues in the lower back, with a herniated disc being the most common reason. However, bone spurs (extra bone matter at the ends of bones) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) can also lead to sciatica pain.
Either one of these conditions can put pressure on the surrounding nerves. When the pressure affects the sciatic nerve, this results in sciatic nerve pain.
Some people are at greater risk of experiencing sciatica. This includes:
- Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 – this group is the most likely to experience sciatica pain;
- People who do lots of heavy lifting – improperly handling heavy weight can put too much strain on the spine causing a herniated disk;
- People who lead a primarily sedentary lifestyle – this can lead to spine issues that can cause sciatica;
- Pregnant women – due to increased weight in the midsection, their posture shifts forward deepening the curve in the lower back, without adequate core support this can lead to developinga herniated disk;
- Overweight individuals – extra weight can put pressure on the spine, resulting in a herniated disk;
- Diabetes patients – diabetes can result in nerve damage.
Common Sciatica Treatment Methods
In most cases, the pain resolves in a few weeks. During this time doctors may recommend a treatment method that depends on the severity of the pain. Sciatica pain treatment methods include:
- Alternating cold and hot pads;
- Stretching or other forms of movement such as yoga or pilates;
- Acupuncture;
- Physical therapy;
- Over-the-counter pain relievers;
- Anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Steroid injections.
If pain persists for longer than three months, one may require surgery. Intense pain and weakness can lead to complications such as loss of bowel or bladder function. So, if you experience it, you should seek medical assistance.
See a doctor if you notice that you are starting to lose control of bladder or bowel movements as well as if sciatica pain happens after severe trauma such as injury or accident.
Is Kratom for Sciatica Effective?
Kratom is an effective form of managing different forms of pain, including conditions such as arthritis, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and more. Therefore, it can also be helpful for sciatica flare-ups.
Various users in the kratom community have reported feeling sciatica relief after taking kratom. Some also suggest CBD in combination with kratom to soothe both pain and inflammation. Many have also indicated that kratom for sciatica has been more effective than any medication.
Best Types of Kratom for Sciatica
Preferences on which kratom is best for sciatica differ for different individuals and can be affected by factors such as the severity of pain, the time of day pain relief is required, and more. However, there are a few common favorites that the kratom community chooses for sciatica.
1. Red Maeng Da
Red Maeng Da that many refer to as RMD is a potent red strain that originated in Thailand due to the process of grafting. As a red, it’s a slow strain. It has potent pain-relieving and relaxing properties.
Due to their relaxing and sedating benefits, reds are best suited for the evening time and night time. However, some users prefer to take it during the daytime by either mixing it with a white strain or taking it with coffee.
Red Maeng Da provides pain-relieving effects for sciatica whereas white strains or coffee counter the sedating effect by increasing energy.
Keep in mind though that it is best not to mix strains right away. We advise that you get familiar and comfortable with each strain and its effects on your body and only then experiment by mixing it with other strains or coffee.
2 Red Bali
Red Bali, a strain that is originally from Borneo is the most popular kratom strain on the market. That is due to its high production rates, wide availability, and economic prices. Red Bali is effective for pain relief and can also be a helpful kratom strain for sciatica.
3. Green Malay
While the majority of users opt for red kratom stains for sciatica, greens such as Green Malay are a close second. Green Malay, also called Super Green Malay or SGM, is a powerful green strain from Malaysia.
As a green, it is a moderate strain. This means that Green Malay provides moderate pain relief as well as energy in a similar way that red rein strains in combination with whites or coffee would do.
4. Yellow Bali
Yellow or gold strains are rarer than reds or greens, and they are not natural strains. Instead, kratom farmers mix two of the natural kratom strains in a unique mix. Some forms of yellow kratom are also fermented.
Similarly to green strains, yellow and gold ones offer moderate effects. Therefore, they are suited for the morning and daytime. Yellow Bali tends to provide relatively long-lasting effects, which can be a great option for those who need long-term kratom relief for sciatica.
5. Red Borneo
Red Borneo is another red kratom strain that users like to take for sciatica pain relief. Another strain from Borneo Island, it provides potent pain relief that can help those with serious flare-ups.
Precautions When Taking Kratom for Sciatica
Quite a few users have experienced negative side effects after taking kratom for sciatica. These range from intense headaches to sleep issues. In most cases, side effects occur either due to improper dosing and use or low-quality kratom.
To avoid these issues, keep a log of your doses, especially if you rotate strains and take different vein types. In addition to that, always purchase quality kratom from reputable vendors to avoid contamination issues, poisoning, or exposure to harmful chemicals or substances.
Have you taken kratom for sciatica? What have the effects been? Which strains do you prefer?