Sciatica Pain Relief: Exercises, Causes & Managing Chronic Discomfort

Question
Are their any exercises for the pain?  Back to ankle pain limits motion. Laying on stomach eases pain, but unable to function otherwise. Need help for chronic pain. And can I overdo such as yard work and sitting at computer for long periods? The sciatic nerve has been a problem in the past but not as severe. Before the pain stopped at the knee. I am a couch potatoe as for as exercise is concerned, so I will need a step up endurance routine from nothing to fit. Thanks for your help.  Have a nice day!  Diana

Answer
Hello Diana,

Thanks for your question. Seems as though you might have a severe sciatica problem.  If it has been medically diagnozed as such, I suggest you consult a chiropractor &/or massage therapist for treatment. I have included a definition of Sciatica and an exercise approach that should help, if you are willing to take the steps to accomplish it, below:

Sciatica [DEFINITION]

A syndrome characterised by pain radiating from the back into the buttock and into the lower extremity along its posterior or lateral aspect and most commonly caused by prolapse of the intervertebral disk, the term is also used to refer to pain anywhere along the course of the sciatic nerve.
Pain radiating (travelling) into the buttock, back of the thigh, and often into the calf and foot. This is usually caused by irritation of a nerve root of the sciatic nerve, often from compression by a disc or degenerative disease.

Exericse treatment:

Do Yourself A Good Turn
Inverted traction offers immediate relief from many forms of back pain and spasm associated with compression and rotational fatigue. Inversion relaxes and stretches tensed up muscles and may add flexibility and lubrication to the joints. In many cases reducing the symptoms of sciatica, pinched nerves and even compressed discs and ruptured discs.
Inversion is a natural stimulation that increases circulation and accelerates the flow of blood, lymph and spinal fluid. Many people have found that it reduces shoulder tension, stimulates mental alertness, increases skin and hair health, and reduces the effects of aging caused by gravity and poor circulation. After a long day on your feet hanging at a 45 degree angle for about 20 minutes can create a marvelous feeling of rejuvenation.

I would also highly recommend that you frequently apply ice compresses alternately with moist heat compresses to the hip area over the sciatic pain.  If you consult a massage therapist, they should be familiar with the Accupressure points BL-22,23,25,28,47, GB-29, BL-50,51,54,57, GB-34,39, and ST-36 & 41, apply pressure in sequence in order down the leg to ST-41.


Hope that helps you,
Michael, LMT