Sciatic pain is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower spine and radiates through the legs, feet, and buttocks. It typically affects one leg at a time and includes numbing and tingling sensations as well as low back discomfort that worsens when you sit. Take a look at the guide below for ways you can relieve this debilitating pain with physical therapy and other natural treatments.

5 Methods for Reducing or Eliminating Sciatic Nerve Pain

1. Yoga

Yoga poses such as Downward Dog, Cobra, Dead Bug, and Low Lunge all relieve sciatic nerve pain by extending and strengthening the muscles. Seated groin stretches also work well, especially if they are performed on a daily basis. Yoga also promotes healthy spinal alignment to minimize nerve pain.

2. Trigger Point Massage

Sciatic pain occurs when its underlying piriformis muscle becomes irritated and inflamed, pinching the sciatic nerve. But trigger point massage can alleviate this ache by helping to relax the muscle again. Schedule sessions every week until the swelling has subsided.

3. Walking & Swimming

Like yoga, walking and swimming are two low-impact ways of stretching and strengthening your body. Swimming is especially helpful because the buoyancy reduces the stress on the sciatic nerve. Exercise, in general, is key to lasting pain relief since activity helps the spinal discs trade nutrients and fluids which keep pressure off this nerve.

4. Herbal Pain Relievers

White willow bark, devil’s claw, turmeric, and feverfew are among the herbs that help lessen sciatic nerve pain. Devil’s claw, for example, is similar to OTC pain relievers in that it reduces inflammatory agents.

5. Physical Therapy Services

Ongoing physical therapy with a licensed, experienced professional not only helps you stay active, flexible, and strong, it also ensures you are performing the right exercises at home. Physical therapists always design regimens specific to their patients’ health and fitness needs.

Get the physical therapy you need to enjoy lasting sciatic nerve relief at Family Physical Therapy & Sports Center in Kearney, NC. You’ll enjoy the best-customized care from an experienced team that also specializes in speech and occupational therapy services. Call (308) 236-5884 today to make an appointment or learn more about their services online.