Sciatica painfulness is frequent problem that is quite common. It is a lower back pain, which usually begins at the back and then moves towards at the back of the hip, and goes until the foot. The most common causes of sciatica are spinal osteoporosis, an injury to the back and an injured or ruptured disk as well as piriformis syndrome.

Although sciatica typically affects only one area of our body based on the cause and symptoms it can also affect both sides of the body as well. Even though the pain is gone within 4-6 weeks, those suffering from sciatica might find relief through specific exercises and stretches.

Exercises to treat sciatica will speed the healing process to ease pain and tightness within the sciatic nerve and improve mobility and endurance in your lower back glutes, hamstrings, glutes and piriformis.

Simple Exercises to Help Sciatica

The five exercises listed below to help sciatica largelt focus on your lower back and hips, and can assist in relieving muscle stiffness and pain.

1.) Glute Bridge

Glute bridges are among the best exercises to treat sciatica that can help ease discomfort within back pain. back of legs as well as hips. They also focus on the posterior chain muscles in all of them including glutes as well as the hamstrings.

To perform glute bridges:

  • Begin by lying down on a mat while knees are bent with your eyes towards the upward direction. Set your feet on the mat with your shoulders length.
  • Begin to slowly push your heels towards the mat, and then try to raise your hips as high as you are able to. Be sure your body is an even line between your knees and shoulders.
  • Breathe deeply while in the posture. Slowly return your hips back to the mat.
  • Repeat the exercise 10 times. Then, try at the same position for at minimum 20 minutes.

2) Knee-to-chest

The knee-to-chest movement is another good exercise to treat sciatica which concentrates on the lower butt and thigh region. It’s a straightforward stretching exercise that is able to be performed by all levels of fitness.

To perform knee-to-chest:

  • Lay on a mat with your back toward the ceiling, and your legs bent and your feet placed on your floor.
  • Keep your right knee in your chest, while making sure your left leg is stable upon the mat. Make sure that the lower back is placed onto the mat.
  • Keep your right leg on the chest for couple of seconds and then gently move it back to its starting position.
  • Repeat the exercise with the leg on your left.
  • Make sure to each leg for a minimum of 20 seconds. Perform the exercise for three sets.

3) Figure 4 Stretch (Piriformis Stretch)

A single of the best effective exercises for sciatica The figure-four stretch is an excellent hip opener. It also helps alleviate sciatica pain by releasing tight hips.

To complete the figure 4 stretch:

  • Relax down on the back while your knees are bent.
  • Your left foot should cross over your right thigh, then shift your legs toward your upper body.
  • Maintain the pose for a few minutes then release.
  • Do the exact same thing on the reverse side, and try to maintain the position for a minimum of 20 times.

4) Forward Pigeon Pose

Forward pigeon poses are one of the most effective yoga poses for sciatica that stretch your lower back and hips as well as relieves sciatica discomfort. It’s an open-hip forward bend which targets the groin legs, piriformis, back, and the psoas.

To do the pose:

  • Begin by kneeling onto the ground on your feet.
  • Move your left leg forward, pointing it towards your body, while keeping your lower leg straight in the air.
  • Check you have your right foot the direction on your left knee and the left leg is to your right.
  • Lengthen your right leg in front of you, with your toes pointing towards your back and the upper part of the foot to the ground.
  • Transfer you weight away from your legs to your arms, and then sit straight. Place your hands on the opposite sides of your legs.
  • Slowly , lean your torso toward your front leg and then stretch your body. Keep the position for a few minutes then repeat the exercise on the opposite side.

5) Standing Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring stretching exercises that are standing offer soft and deep stretching, and assist in relaxing tight muscles in the hamstrings. This exercise can be done when you are standing close to a elevated platform, like the step or stairwell.

For an exercise that requires you to stand:

  • Keep your left foot on the surface and bend your foot until your toes point upwards.
  • Slowly lean forward with your hips and bring your upper body toward your leg. Feel the stretching in your hamstring. Be sure to ensure the position of your back foot is in a straight position.
  • Do as much as you can. However, do not strain your muscles.
  • Maintain the position for at least 20 seconds, then slowly release.
  • Repeat the exercise on the other leg.

Bottom Line

Although the exercises mentioned above for sciatica can help to treat and reduce pain, it’s important to consult with your doctor prior to trying them if you suffer from any health issues.

If you do these exercises regularly, it will yield the most effective outcomes, however, it’s crucial to keep in mind that not everyone will benefit from these exercises because sciatica pain, as well as its effects and causes vary between people.

The most important thing is to take care not to strain your muscles when doing exercises to treat sciatica because it can cause more discomfort and leave you more susceptible.

More information from Sportskeeda

edited by Bhargav

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