Sciatica Exercises for Pain

Sciatica is the result of an excessive degree of compression being brought to bear upon the sciatic nerve emerging from the spinal column. The condition can be extremely painful, can be recurrent, and can last for a considerable duration. So often over the years, many sufferers have been asking me if there are any effective exercises they can do for themselves to reduce the likelihood and severity of a recurrence of sciatica?

Importantly, due to the fact that sciatic pain can be felt in a variety of places, and in a variety of intensities within these places, sciatica is so often misdiagnosed and mistreated and with the possibility of varying degrees of inflammation present, the way forward has invariably become a confusing one.

An absolute must is to initially address the inflammation likely to be present. This needs to be done before any significant rehabilitation can commence, and the potential for further suffering is heightened by failure to do so. Correct protocol is essential.

Restoration of the body’s natural symmetry, elasticity of the soft tissue in the lumbar region, and a re-establishment of adequate specific spinal support strength is fundamental to the process, and is conditional to the crucial de-compression of the nerve.

These three factors of restoration are in fact crucial to the restoration of the lumbar spinal movement functions; 1) lateral spinal rotation, 2) lateral spinal flexion, and 3) anterior/posterior spinal flexion/extension.

The question, of course, remains of how precisely to proceed, but it’s important to note, having achieved the necessary inflammation reduction, the restoration of body symmetry, restoration of elasticity in the lumbar region, and the re-introduction of spinal support strength, will then result in the incidence of sciatic pain becoming infinitely diminished.

As with any nerve compression, the cause of the compression needs to be eliminated, or significantly reduced. It is also imperative to emphasise, recognise and embrace the fact that the process must be adhered to in a systematic and controlled manner, or the susceptibility to further attacks of sciatica can remain high.

The sciatica exercises should, at least initially, be done in a non-weight-bearing position, in order to minimise the potential for further compression. Within this limited article, it is not possible, nor is it wise to detail specifics on exercises for sciatica, rather I should encourage the sufferer that self-help is certainly available, and it is proven to be effective. Emphasis on routine care, much as is the case with a number of other spinal conditions, is vital to the maintenance of a healthy and pain-free body. In this regard, sciatica is no exception, and yes, specific exercises as well as stretches play a foundational role in such maintenance. The nature, intensity, duration, and timing of these exercises, and stretches, are just as vital to the recovery as is the awareness of the need to do them, so beware.