Home Treatments for a Pinched Nerve Around the Sacrum

The sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine that houses the sacral plexus (a grouping of nerves that innervate the lower body). The sciatic nerve is part of this grouping. Pinched nerves in this area can affect the pelvis, buttocks, low back, legs and feet. You can take some measures at home to alleviate the pain.

Get a Diagnosis

• According to Dr. Rob Gottesman, a Colorado chiropractor, it is never a good idea to try to diagnose yourself. Go see a medical professional to get an exact diagnosis before you try at-home treatments. The University Hospital of New Jersey suggests that some nerve compression can also be associated with benign tumors.

Rest

• If you have a diagnosis of a pinched nerve, you may need to rest. To relieve pressure on the sacral nerves, stop aggravating activities and take frequent breaks. Lie down on your back and elevate the legs by putting pillows underneath the knees. This will maintain a position in which the nerves are not irritated.

Hot and Cold Therapy

• Cold therapy will decrease swelling, and heat therapy improves circulation. Usually, cold is best for recent injuries, while heat is for chronic problems. Try using ice first for 20 minutes. Then apply heat. You can also alternate between the two if this alleviates your symptoms.

Stretching

• Certain stretches can take pressure off compressed nerves. You will want to stretch the low back, buttocks, hip flexors (front of thigh), and hamstrings (back of legs) in particular. See online resources like that of the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (http://www.nismat.org/orthocor/programs/lowback/backex.html) for exercise suggestions.

Magnetic Therapy

• Magnetic therapy has been claimed as effective for pain control and stimulating the body's natural healing ability. According to the book "Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide," magnets can relieve pain by reducing swelling. You can purchase magnets or magnetic bracelets to wear at home.