With more than 3 million reported annual cases in just the United States alone, Sciatica is incredibly common. It is generally caused by either irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. Sciatica pain can range from light to excruciating, and since it’s so common, many believe that you can’t treat it. While there isn’t exactly a “cure” for Sciatica across the board, people have found diet, stretches, and even chiropractic adjustments helpful when dealing with Sciatica.
We spoke with Dr. Bradley Hopper, DC, one of our chiropractors on a lien in Las Vegas, Nevada, about a stretch that can help you get relief from your Sciatic pain. Dr. Hopper explained that your Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It originates at the lumbar spine and goes down through your legs. First, how can you tell if you have Sciatic pain? While it’s important to speak with a medical professional to give you a proper diagnosis, one can identity their Sciatic pain as a burning pain in their buttocks area. It may radiate around your body but will start around the buttocks. In severe cases, pain in your Sciatic nerve can make it so it hurts to straighten out your leg.
Dr. Hopper showed us a gentle stretch for you to try to help with your Sciatic nerve pain. To do this stretch, take the leg that is experiencing pain, and put it gently over your other leg in the “Figure 4” position (take the foot of your hurt leg and place it over the thigh of the other leg while in a seated position).
Gently grab around the knee of the hurt leg you are stretching and rotate your body towards the side with the pain. There may be a slight burning sensation in your buttocks, but that’s how you know the stretch is working. Be sure not to push yourself too much, but just gently lean into the stretch and hold it for 20-30 seconds while staying still. Gently release your leg and relax. Do this multiple times before stopping and continue to do this multiple times throughout the day.
If you’re experiencing Sciatic pain, it’s important to speak with a qualified medical professional, such as Dr. Hopper. However, as you are on your road to recovery, following stretches such as this that come from your doctor can help make your healing process easier. Be sure to review our full list of qualified medical professionals who work on a lien basis if you are experiencing pain today!
