The Vitamin Deficiency that is KILLING Your Sciatica Nerve

Dr. Eric Berg DC

1,285,523 views • 1 year ago

Video Summary

The video discusses sciatica pain, highlighting three key nutrient deficiencies that contribute to it: Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Vitamin B12. It explains that Vitamin D is a potent anti-inflammatory crucial for disc health and nerve repair, while Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and helps Vitamin D function. Vitamin B12 is vital for the nervous system, alleviating numbness and tingling. The video also critiques conventional treatments like medication and surgery, citing a lack of long-term benefit and potential complications. Finally, it introduces two fascia-stretching exercises to complement nutritional support, aiming to relieve sciatica pain by addressing underlying connective tissue issues. An interesting fact is that 90% of sciatica pain involves the discs, and most cases resolve within six weeks if left untreated.

Short Highlights

Sciatica pain often involves disc issues and can be exacerbated by three key nutrient deficiencies: Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Vitamin B12.
Vitamin D is a powerful anti-inflammatory that aids in disc and nerve repair, with effective doses potentially reaching 10,000-30,000 IUs daily for sciatica.
Magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation and supports the function of Vitamin D and Vitamin K2, with recommended daily intake of around 800 milligrams for sciatica.
Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system health, helping to alleviate symptoms like numbness, tingling, and burning pain.
Two fascia-stretching exercises are presented to complement nutritional support for sciatica relief.

Key Details

Understanding Sciatica and Conventional Treatments [00:00]

Sciatica is characterized by pain anywhere along the longest and largest nerve in the body, originating in the lower back and extending down the leg.
A common diagnostic test is the straight leg raise, which can indicate nerve pinching.
The video expresses dissatisfaction with conventional medical advice for sciatica, particularly the reliance on lifelong medication and the limited long-term benefits of surgery, noting complications like "failed back surgery syndrome."
Research suggests that surgery offers no significant benefit over other treatments after one year, making it a last resort.
Interestingly, 90% of sciatica pain involves the discs, and a significant portion (90%) of sufferers see symptoms resolve within six weeks without intervention.

"if you don't stretch the fascia uh chances of you're getting better are less than winning the lottery"

The Crucial Role of Vitamin D Deficiency [00:22]

Sciatica pain often worsens in winter months, pointing to a potential Vitamin D deficiency.
Conventional low doses of Vitamin D (600-2,000 IUs) are deemed insufficient for serious inflammation.
Vitamin D should be taken daily, not weekly, for consistent results.
Discs have numerous Vitamin D receptors, and sufficient Vitamin D3 is necessary for it to penetrate the discs, especially for individuals with metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes.
Vitamin D is the most potent anti-inflammatory agent, comparable to prednisone but without side effects, and is essential for repairing nerves, discs, connective tissue, and muscles.

"The diss need Vitamin D desperately and when you don't have vitamin D everything kind of falls apart"

Magnesium Deficiency and Its Impact [04:21]

Magnesium deficiency is another significant contributor to sciatica, especially in cases of arthritis or spinal stenosis, by affecting calcium deposits in soft tissues.
Magnesium controls muscle relaxation, balancing calcium's role in muscle contraction.
Magnesium is also essential for Vitamin D to function effectively, forming a synergistic relationship.
It plays a role in Vitamin K2's function, helping to prevent calcium buildup in arteries.
Magnesium is crucial for energy production in the body and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

"magnesium is necessary for for vitamin D to work so vitamin D and magnesium are like two ps in a pod"

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Neuropathy [05:39]

Vitamin B12 deficiency, termed neuropathy, is intimately involved with the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning pain.
Vitamin B12 also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
For vegans, a specific form of B12 called methylcobalamin is recommended, as it's not found in plant-based foods.

"vitamin B12 is intimately involved with several aspects of the nervous system"

Recommended Dosages and Food Sources [06:00]

It's common to be deficient in all three nutrients.
For Vitamin D, individuals with sciatica are advised to take 20,000 to 30,000 IUs daily.
For Magnesium, around 800 milligrams daily is recommended. Good sources include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chocolate, almonds, and leafy greens.
Caution is advised regarding oxalates in some magnesium-rich foods like spinach and almonds, which can cause arthritic symptoms; consuming cheese with these can mitigate oxalate absorption.
Alcohol and refined sugars/starches can deplete magnesium levels.
Vitamin B12 can be obtained from red meat, liver, and other animal products; vegans must supplement.

"if I had sadaka I would take probably 20 to 30,000 IUS of vitamin D3"

Fascia Stretching for Sciatica Relief [07:30]

Two powerful fascia stretches are introduced to complement nutritional therapy for sciatica.
Stretch 1 (Seated Fascia Stretch): Performed on a stool or chair, this involves positioning one leg forward with the other bent backward, creating a "scissors-like action" to stretch the fascia in the hip and abdomen. This indirectly relaxes the back of the leg, buttocks, and lower back. Both sides should be stretched to maintain symmetry.
Stretch 2 (Standing Quadriceps/Thigh Stretch): Performed while standing and holding onto something for support, this involves bringing one foot up to the back to stretch the front of the thigh. This is done for both legs.