Can Curcumin Help Sciatica & Herniated Discs? Using Turmeric to help with Back Pain

For centuries, the benefits of Curcumin and Tumeric have been used and practiced within Ayurvedic medicine. Using medicinal plants and spices for healing was the first true medicine available to our ancestors. A type of ginger plant, Curcuma longa contains the turmeric rhizome within its roots. Turmeric powder contains curcumin, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent responsible for most of its health benefits.

Is Turmeric truly an Anti-inflammatory?

Ongoing studies and research continue to show significant benefits in using turmeric for conditions characterized by muscle and joint pain, arthritis and joint pain, inflammation and fibromyalgia as well as back pain.  Back pain is often referred to as Sciatica, which is pain radiating down the sciatic nerve traveling from your lower back through your mid-section and then down each leg. In many cases, Sciatica will only affect 1 side of the body at a time. Sciatica can originate from bone spurs, herniated discs, or the narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses some part of the nerve. When the nerve is compressed, or pinched, this causes a tremendous amount of pain, numbness, and inflammation in the affected leg.

Several risk factors may raise your chances of developing sciatic nerve pain. They are Age, Obesity, Occupation, Prolonged Sitting, and Diabetes. Excess weight increases spinal stress and can trigger changes in the integrity of the spine. A weight loss regimen can help prevent this particular risk factor

Is a Herniated Disc associated with Back Pain?

A Herniated disc is described as pain in the rubbery cushions, or discs, between the vertebrae that comprise the spine. A spinal disc contains a jelly-like center (nucleus) surrounded by a tough and rubbery exterior called an annulus which can often be referred to as a ruptured disc or a slipped disc. These refer to the same condition where the nucleus protrudes through a torn annulus and irritates a nearby nerve. A herniated disc may lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, and weakness.

Is Turmeric Curcumin Right for You?

Research has shown that using turmeric for inflammation may help reduce the pain for both upper and lower back pain by reducing the body’s natural inflammatory response. Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant capable of improving our immune system response. It’s important to note; that curcumin will not repair herniated discs, sciatica, or physical problems with the spine. But, it may reduce inflammation, improve oxygen and nutrient flow, and promote the healing process.