Sciatica is the pain or numbness of a leg that starts from the lower back and travels down one or both legs. The pain or numbness usually worsens after long periods of standing or sitting. Despite the pain being in the leg, the pain originates from the nerves in the lower back.
It is very important that you know the cause of the sciatica pain. A different cause will require different exercises. In addition, the pain may also be caused by a disease such as a tumour. A proper diagnosis is very important in order for you to receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.
Exercise 1: For Sciatica that is caused by Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, you should lie flat on your back. Grab your left knee with both hands while keeping the right leg straight on the floor. Pull your left knee towards your face and into your chest, Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat with the right leg.
Position 1 Position 2
Exercise 2: For Sciatica that is caused by Lumbar Disc Herniations, lie on your stomach and prop up your upper body with your elbows and keeping your hips on the floor. You should do this slowly because it can be uncomfortable at first. Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute. As you progress, you can put pillows under your elbows in order to increase the upper body lift from the floor.
Learn more about Pinched Nerves (Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment) here.
Professional assessment and treatment for Sciatica is the best option when dealing with any kind of spinal pinched nerve scenario. Dr Warrick Botha operates from Illovo in Umhlanga and has extensive experience in resolving pinched nerve pain and helping patients in the local Rosebank, Illovo, Hyde Park, Craighall Park, Inanda, Highlands North, Blairgowrie, Melrose Arch, Atholl, Sandhurst, Dunkeld, Parkhurst, Sandown, Bramley, Birdhaven and Greenside areas.
If you or someone you know are struggling with a pinched nerve, lower back pain or simply requires posture support or correction, please contact me on the following details to find a safe, suitable and long-term treatment plan for you.