Sciatic Nerve Stretches Are a Proven Way to Reduce Pain and Increase Mobility

spinal stenosis

What is Sciatica?

The condition of sciatica is the pain resulting from irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can be caused by a number of situations such as a herniated or slipped disc, piriformis (the piriformis muscle within the buttocks becomes tight), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra so that it becomes misaligned with others). Sufferers feel pain radiating downward from the buttock over the back and side of the lower limb.

What are Sciatic Nerve Stretches?

These are exercises designed to specifically target the lower part of the body which is affected by pain from the sciatic nerve. Exercises help increase flexibility as well as enhance core body strength.

Why Should One Consider Doing Sciatic Nerve Stretches?

Because it works! Sciatica is a condition which is largely treatable. In addition to these stretches, there are a number of other routes to pain management including medication, cortisone / anti-inflammatory spinal injections and surgery. For those wishing to avoid the more invasive methods of surgery or injections, performing this type of exercise is ideal. Furthermore, the use of anti-inflammatory and pain medication is rarely a long term solution. Here, there is also the additional risk of the effectiveness of such medications falling over time.

Furthermore, sciatic nerve stretches are relatively easy to do and can be done at a place and time of choice.

Which are the Best Exercises or Stretches to Help Ease Pain from Sciatica?

While the type of exercise should target the exact cause of sciatica, sufferers should also focus on muscle imbalance as well as doing light aerobic work (such as walking). Bed rest, while often recommended, is only suitable for a short term basis as the body needs movement to help the healing process. The best sciatic nerve stretches focus on the lower back area and work on easing muscle tightness as well as building up core and muscle strength. Stretches should be performed regularly (say twice a day) and the number of repetitions would be dependent on the strength of the body.