PILATES AND STRETCHES CAN HELP WITH YOUR SCIATICA
Nowadays, there is a whole lot of confusion about Sciatica. About what it is, about what it means to have it, and about ways to treat it. Many think they have it when in reality they do not, while others yet are silently suffering without knowing why. Sciatica is often misdiagnosed, and thus it is critical that we educate people about this debilitating disease. This way we can avoid confusion, misdiagnosis, and fear mongering. Thankfully, for those indeed suffering from Sciatica, there are some compelling stretches for lower back pain. There are also various Pilates exercises for lower back pain that are highly beneficial to Sciatica related discomfort.
We can’t begin to talk about ways to treat Sciatica without first understanding entirely what is.
MY BACK IS KILLING ME
Sciatica is a blanket term used to encompass the symptoms associated with the unnatural compression of the Sciatic Nerve. This somewhat loose definition is what confuses patients. Most commonly, Sciatica is caused by a herniation of the spinal discs. Other possible causes include displacement of a vertebra, pelvic tumors, and pregnancy.
Sciatica is characterized by shooting pain that affects the lower back and travels all along the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica pain is also felt along the back of the hip and lower legs. A burning sensation is known to alternate with tingling and numbness. Sciatica is potentially debilitating because it can make moving about and even standing up difficult. It is therefore imperative to find practical ways in which to alleviate the crippling pain. Thankfully there are plenty of stretches for lower back pain that will help you to reduce sciatica significantly.
STRETCHES FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
One of the best methods for relieving Sciatica related pain is to engage in a stretching routine. Yoga or Pilates are fantastic disciplines that possess sets of moves that are suited to helping you feel good again. Stretching your lower back muscles and hip flexors will go a long way to lower the pressure on your sciatic nerve.
However, for this method to be effective, you must make stretching exercises a regular practice. Start a daily routine that includes the following stretches:
- Runner’s Lunge: Begin this stretch in a plank position while your hands are positioned directly beneath your shoulders. Step your left foot forward towards your hands and lower your arms to the floor. Relax your hips and lower back. This stretch provides a thorough depressurization of the hip and groin muscles.
- Pelvic Tilt: While lying flat on your back, bend your knees and tilt your pelvis and curl the tailbone off the floor. Exhale as you flatten your spine against the floor and inhale as the tailbone comes down.
Nonetheless, not all the pilates exercises for lower back pain and stretches for lower back pain are appropriate. Avoid any of the standing toe touches, or any stretches where a rounded back can happen. The focus should always be on exercises that stretch the lumbar spine all the way through the sacrum. If you are careful to abide by this rule, your sciatica pain will subside in no time.
