If you have ever had sciatic nerve pain, you already know that your back is the cause of the problem. So, does it help to put on ice or rub your leg? It actually doesn’t help much. The focus needs to be on restoring normal function to the lower back and releasing the tension on the muscles, joints, and roots of the sciatic nerve.
We have seen quite a few patients with sciatica lately and I’m proud to be able to say we have helped them considerably. One had been doing, what she referred to as rage vacuuming where she took on the whole house in one afternoon. Another was helping pull the cover off his pool. Both of these situations caused a strain of the lower back and normally this pain would diminish quickly, but there likely was some residual lower back stiffness or swelling that was exacerbated by a simple activity.
Sciatica sufferers need to focus stretching on backwards extension, either standing (if not too sore) or lying on stomach and doing a saggy push-up. Avoid any repetitive forward bending like picking up sticks in your yard after a windstorm or vacuuming. You may need some Chiropractic adjustments specifically to unlock the restricted joints that are irritating the nerve roots. At the very least, you need to find which movements are difficult due to stiffness, and work to increase your flexibility. Some people can check their own flexibility, but most will need a professional that can compare your ranges of motion to normal and suggest which ones you should focus on. Sure, everyone knows how to stretch your hamstrings, just touch your toes, right? Wrong, you must be careful to avoid any stretch that aggravates the sciatic nerve. This is where a professional comes in with experience to get you on to the right exercises for the condition you are in at the time. Most exercises can be good for you but knowing the right timing is of utmost importance.
Consider seeing a Chiropractor for your sciatica. We have a proven track record of helping you fast, and you may find some other facet of your health improves with treatment to the lower back for your sciatica. Expect to be given some exercises that only work as well as you are willing to do them. Also, you may need to stop or change some of the work or exercises you have been doing. We can help.