A Guide to Sciatica Treatment Exercises

Sciatica describes the pain caused by the irritation of sciatic nerve, and pain is usually felt from the lower back to behind the knee. Sciatic nerve is the largest and biggest nerve in the body, and begins from nerve roots in lumbar spinal cord. Most common cause of sciatica is the disc herniation, directly pressing against the nerve. However, anything that causes the inflammation or irritation of this nerve can produce the symptoms of sciatica. Some of the most common causes include internal bleeding, injury, infection and irritation of the nerve from adjacent bone. Physical examination and medical history are the best ways to diagnose sciatica. Sometimes CAT scan, x-rays, electomyogram and MRI scan are used to further define the causes.

Back stretch is one of the best sciatica treatment exercises, and is quite easy to do. You can lie down on the even surface on your back, and bring both your knees to your chest. Wrap your arms around your legs, and press under your knees. This will give a good stretch to the lower back, and help relieve the sciatic pain. It is important to only stretch as far as you feel comfortable, and make sure never to jerk the body at any given time.

Quad stretch is another excellent sciatica treatment exercise, and it helps alleviate the pain. Lie down flat on the stomach, and bring the right leg up to your buttocks. Grab this leg with your right arm, and try to bring the foot up as close as possible until you feel a full stretch. Hold it for 10-15 seconds, and repeat with the other leg. Make sure that you do all the stretches for both sides of the body. While stretching, take deep breaths and stay calm through the entire process.

Before doing any sciatica treatment exercises, it is important to consult a physical therapist or doctor to determine the source of sciatica pain. The experienced professional can help you design a daily exercise routine to manage the sciatica symptoms.

Another sciatica treatment exercise is to sit on the ground and support your body on the palms. Stretch your feet out in front of you, and keep your back straight. Lower your back on the floor, and fold one of your legs so that the knee now faces your chin. Hold the folded leg and hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for other leg.

Torso twisting poses are good sciatica treatment exercises. You can start by sitting on the firm straight backed chair with your knees slightly apart. Twist your torso towards one side and hold for 10 seconds. Now, twist to the other side and hold again.

While doing sciatica treatment exercises, make sure to maintain a good posture, and continue deep breathing.

In addition to doing various sciatica treatment exercises, it helps to make few lifestyle changes. To get the complete idea, you can browse through various internet sites that give the detailed description regarding sciatica symptoms and treatment. You need to choose the treatment based on the symptoms, and affected area.