Suddenly you have a pain running from your lower back or hip radiating to the back of your thigh and into your leg. If it hurts like mad, it’s probably sciatica. But even though the pain may stop you in your tracks, there are exercises you can do to help get you back in the game.
First a few facts about sciatica: In addition to excruciating pain, you may also experience weakness, a "pins and needles" numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down your leg. Usually the source for the pain is a swelling back disc that places pressure on the sciatic nerve (a large nerve that begins in the lower back and goes through the buttocks to the lower leg.) Around one in every fifty of us will experience a herniated disk at some point in our lives. One quarter of these cases can last more than six weeks.
Before you attempt any of the suggested sciatica exercises consider speaking to a physical therapist or doctor. In fact, it’s always a good rule of thumb to get approval from your health care provider before trying any new exercises for sciatica nerve pain.
BACK STRETCH. Lie flat on your back on the floor. Bring both your knees towards your chest. Next, wrap your arms around your legs and then place pressure on the area just beneath your knees. Hold for as long as is comfortable. This exercise offers your lower back a healing stretch. Release immediately if you feel increased pain.
