Sciatica affects up to 40% of people in the world. This condition is often caused by a slipped disk or other spinal condition that affects your sciatic nerve, and the pain is felt in your back and radiates down one or both of your legs. Most patients experience a reduction in pain without significant sciatica treatment after several weeks, but during that time, the pain can be excruciating. Below are three recommended stretches to provide pain relief from sciatica.

Sciatica Treatment: Stretching for Pain Relief

1. Reclining Pigeon Post

This pose is an easy sciatica treatment stretch that opens your hips and stretches muscles that can aggravate the sciatic nerve. While lying on your back, bend your right knee into a right angle. Lock your hands behind your thigh and rest your left ankle on top of your right knee. Hold the position for 10 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.

2. Knee to Opposite Shoulder

The knee-to-opposite-shoulder stretch also works to relieve pain by stretching muscles in your hips and gluteal area. Begin by lying on your back with your toes pointing up, then bring your right knee up toward your chest. Use your hands to carefully pull your knee towards your opposite shoulder, stopping if you feel pain, and hold it for a few seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg.

3. Sitting Spinal Stretch

A common part of chiropractic health care is decompression of the spine, and this stretch does it gently to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sit on a flat surface with your legs straight out in front of you, then cross your right foot over your left leg, placing it flat on the ground on the outside of your left knee. Turn your body carefully to the right, bracing your elbow against the outside of your right knee to help you stretch. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds, then repeat with the other leg, turning the opposite direction.

In North Pole, AK, the leading provider of chiropractic health care is North Pole Chiropractic. Headed by a physician that believes in natural healing and effective care, they offer treatment for neck and back pain as well as discomfort caused by sciatica. They provide chiropractic pain management while correcting the issues that caused the issue to begin with. With a commitment to excellent patient care, they’re a 5-star company that does same-day appointments for when you just can’t wait. Learn more about their sciatica treatment options online or call (907) 488-1885 for an appointment.