The following at home sciatica stretches are the most recommended for symptomatic people. Stretching is important for any person’s overall good health. However, for people with moderate or severe sciatica nerve pain, we recommend an SF chiropractor’s assessment first.
Sciatica specialist Supreet Shah says that sciatica pain can occur for a variety of reasons. He states, “Identifying what doesn’t move is the first step toward solving the problem.” Often, the most problematic body parts are the lower back and hips.
1. Figure-4 Stretch
Figure-4 stretch is a common yoga pose. It works to open the hips. There are multiple versions of this stretch. The first is a starting version known as the reclining figure-4 stretch. If you are just starting your treatment, you should try the reclining pose first.
- While on your back, bring your right leg up to a right angle. Clasp both hands behind the thigh, locking your fingers.
- Lift your left leg and place your right ankle on top of the left knee.
- Hold the position for 1 minute. This helps stretch the tiny piriformis muscle, which sometimes becomes inflamed and presses against the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
- Repeat on the opposite side
Once you can do the reclining version without pain, work with your chiropractor on the advanced versions of this sciatica stretch.
2. Forward Pigeon Pose
- Kneel on the floor on all fours.
- Pick up your right leg and move it forward on the ground in front of your body. Your lower leg should be on the ground, horizontal to the body. Your right foot should be in front of your right knee while your right knee stays to the right.
- Stretch the left leg out all the way behind you on the floor, with the top of the foot on the ground and toes pointing back.
- Shift your body weight gradually from your arms to your legs so that your legs are supporting your weight. Sit up straight with your hands on either side of your legs.
- Take a deep breath. While exhaling, lean your upper body forward over your front leg. Support your weight with your arms as much as possible.
- Repeat on the opposite side for a balanced sciatica stretch.
3. Seated Spinal Stretch
Sciatica nerve pain is triggered when vertebrae in the spine compress. This sciatica stretch helps create space in the spine to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Sit on the ground with your legs extended straight out with your feet flexed upward.
- Bend your right knee and place your foot flat on the floor on the outside of your opposite knee.
- Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee to help you gently turn your body toward the right.
- Hold for 1 minute and repeat three times, then switch sides.
4. Standing Hamstring Stretch
This sciatica stretch can help ease pain and tightness in the hamstring caused by the nerve.
- Place your right foot on an elevated surface at or below your hip level. This could be a chair, a bench, or a step on a staircase. Flex your foot so your toes and leg are straight. If your knee tends to hyperextend, keep a slight bend in it.
- Bend your body forward slightly toward your foot. The further you go, the deeper the stretch. Do not push to the point of pain.
- Release the hip of your raised leg downward as opposed to lifting it up. For extra support with easing your hip down, loop a yoga strap or long exercise band over your right thigh and under your left foot.
- Hold for at least 1 minute, and then repeat on the other side.
5. Knee to Opposite Shoulder
This simple self-care stretch helps relieve sciatica pain by loosening your gluteal and piriformis muscles, which can become inflamed and press against the sciatic nerve.
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your feet flexed upward.
- Bend your right leg and clasp your hands around the knee.
- Gently pull your right leg across your body toward your left shoulder. Hold it there for 1 minute. Remember to pull your knee only as far as it will comfortably go. You should feel a relieving stretch in your muscle, not pain.
- Push your knee so your leg returns to its starting position.
- Repeat for a total of 4 reps, and then switch legs.
These at-home sciatica stretches have helped our patients greatly. If you are still having trouble finding sciatic nerve pain relief, you may be a good candidate for our treatments. To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first treatment.
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