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13 Simple Exercises to Eliminate Sciatica Pain

The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back to the heel of the foot and is the largest of the body. When the sciatica gets irritated or compressed, exercises such as the bridge or plate are good for relieving pain.

What happens is that physical exercise can improve strength, mobility, and functional disability. That is why, on this occasion, we want to share the best stretches and practices for sciatica, so that you take them into account from the first sign of pain.

Causes and symptoms of sciatica

Although the term is usually used for back pains in general, we talk about sciatica when the sciatic nerve gets irritated or compressed. Among its symptoms the pain in the lumbar area that radiates toward the legs, sensory loss, and weakness. Sciatica usually appears for conditions such as the lumbar disc hernia. However, it can also be caused by spinal stenosis, spondylosis, or inflammation of the lumbar muscles.

In such cases, it is always recommended to go to a doctor to indicate specific treatment or sometimes sciatica pills can be given. In addition, as a complement to the therapy to be given to the doctor, the exercises and stretches we will mention below can be taken into account.

What Exercises to Take the Pain Out of Sciatica?

Because of the difficulties it causes in the movement, some might think that rest is the best way to alleviate it. However, according to a Spine article, the practice of certain physical exercises is recommended as part of the treatment of sciatica pain.

These not only help gain strength to prevent the recurrence of symptoms but also promote the healing of soft tissues. Even doing sciatica exercises during pregnancy can mitigate the discomfort and limitations it generates according to a review of the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

Then we’ll indicate some of the pain exercises of the sciatic nerve. Still, you must talk with a doctor before, as the type of activity depends on the pain and the cause that produces it.

1. Exercise for lumbar

Exercise for lumbar

The next move, you can take it into account for all types of lumbar pains. In this way, you can stretch the back area and, at the same time, strengthen the abdominal muscles.

How do you do that?

Rot your hips as much as you can, as long as you don’t feel discomfort.

2. Bridge

Among the strengthening exercises for the sciatica, the bridge is one of the most chosen. According to the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, these kinds of exercises are designed to improve the stability of the spine and relieve pain.

How do you do that?

3. Bridge variant

If the previous movement is easy for you to perform and you don’t feel discomfort, you can continue with this one. Anyway, the idea is that at no time will it cause you back pain. Otherwise, it suspends the exercise.

How do you do that?

Remember not to raise your hips too much while you lift your leg.

4. Cat-Cow

This is a sensorimotor exercise that is usually recommended for lumbar pain that radiates to other areas of the body. It’s very easy to do and can help you strengthen your back. We show you.

How do you do that?

5. Superman

It may seem difficult at first, but this lumbar stabilization exercise will help you stretch the whole body and gain strength. Especially in the lumbar and abdominal area. Keep in mind that you should not stand your back, but should remain relaxed.

What are you supposed to do?

If you have a lot of pain or lack of mobility, you can start by stretching your arm alone and then just the leg, until you manage to make both movements at once.

6. Lmbar extension

This exercise is good for promoting the lumbar movement. Now, if your mobility is limited, you can place a pair of pillows under your hip. In any case, it is important to note that you should not feel pain.

How do you do that?

As the torso goes up, keep your hips leaning on the floor and your buttocks relaxed.

7. Abdominals

Like the bridge, this is another lumbar stabilization exercise for schic nerve pain that, as a study in Medicine points out, focuses on muscle strength and strength. In turn, it improves neuromuscular control.

How to carry them out?

In case you don’t present pain, when you raise your head, you can carry your arms to your knees.

8. Subpine March

Another lumbar strengthening exercise is known as supine gear. This movement has its variants, such as the incorporation of elastic bands as in the video. But here we’ll teach you the simplest way to do these exercises when you have sciatic nerve pain.

How do you do that?

If you master the exercise, when you lift a leg, you can raise your opposite arm as well.

9. Yoga postures

As a review of the Journal of Orthopedics & Rheumatology mentions, yoga can be effective in reducing chronic lumbar pain that, among its causes, may occur due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve. Indeed, it can help improve disability, as well as physical and mental function.

What are you supposed to do?

Keep each movement for several seconds and breathe. Suspend if you notice pain.

10. Aerobic exercises for sciatica

As they indicate in Healthcare, aerobic exercise can increase blood flow and nutrients to the soft tissues of the back. It would therefore help to improve the healing process and rigidity. It would even increase endorphins, brain chemicals that act in a similar way to painkillers.

What are you supposed to do?

11. Side plate

Within this sequence of movements to strengthen the back, the lateral plate is included. This exercise has many variants but, in the case of sciatica, it is best to start by supporting the knees on the ground.

How do you do that?

When you master this technique, you can lift your knees from the ground as well. Only your forearm and feet will be left leaning.

12. High plate

Strengthening lumbar muscles can be an effective tool for reducing back pain, as The Ochsner Journal indicates. For this, the plate or table exercises are among the most suitable.

What are you supposed to do?

13. Back extension exercise

The last of these exercises to remove the pain from the sciatica is the back extension. Ideal to work and strengthen the lumbar area. That’s right, follow the step-by-step we’ll take you next so you don’t hurt yourself.

How can you do it?

What Do Stretches Do for Sciatica?

In addition to exercises to soothe the pain of the sciatic nerve, stretches are just as important. Stretching the muscles of the back, legs, and hip can help reduce pain, increase flexibility, and improve quality of life.

Here are some ways to stretch before and after the previous routines. You can also do this type of sciatica exercise in bed, before bedtime. At the end of them, you can use compresses for sciatica, as a complement to therapy.

1. Stretching of the abdominals

The stretching of the abdominals will help mitigate the pain of the sciatica that focuses on the core area. This simple movement decreases tension and increases flexibility.

How do you do that?

2. Stretching for the hip

With this leg movement, you will make a stretch of the pyriform muscle and decrease the discomfort that afflicts it because of the sciatica. Follow the step by step.

How do you do that?

3. Stretching seated

This position favors the relief of sciatic pain because it minimizes the tension of the lower back, buttocks, and legs. In addition, stretching also serves to prevent future injuries when exercising.

How do you do that?

4. Posture of the pigeon

We mention that certain stretches of yoga are good at unlocking the sciatic nerve and relieving pain. This way of stretching the legs is known in yoga as the pigeon’s posture and, in addition to relieving the tension of the back, allows the muscles of the legs to work and tone the buttocks.

How do you do that?

Keep The Activity With These Exercises for Sciatic Nerve Pain

Each of the positions and exercises cited here for the pain of sciatica can be a great therapy against pain, as long as they are done in the right way. Otherwise, they could aggravate the problem. If you have doubts, consult with a coach or doctor.

Likewise, it accompanies these methods to remove the pain from the sciatica with good postural hygiene, both when carrying out activities and when sitting. As a last recommendation, if the pain lasts more than a month or does not improve with exercises or painkillers, you must see a specialist immediately.

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