Sciatica is a pain experience in the lower extremity because of the irritation of the sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and starts from the rear part of the lumbar spinal cord which extends to the buttocks and down the lower limb.
The most recommended treatment program for sciatica by doctors is progressive exercise program. Exercises for sciatica have two main purposes and that is to lessen the sciatic pain and offers conditioning to prevent recurrent pain. Who would prescribe the exercise? A physical therapist, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician; Chiropractor, spine specialist and certified athletic trainer are the ones who generally prescribe specific exercise and guide the patient how to perform such exercise.
Rest is important to relieve pain but exercise is much better in relieving sciatic pain. Rest is important but it is good for only a day or two. Any inactivity for more than two days can worsen the pain. Without movement and exercise, the spinal structures and back muscles is less able to support the back. Inactivity can result to weakening of muscles which can result to further back strain and injury which can cause more pain.
That is the reason why exercise is important but do not just perform any exercise and always consult your doctor first. Your doctor will be the one to design an exercise program that will fit your condition. A Sciatica exercise program should feature the following:
Specific Diagnosis. Every exercise program is designed to answer the cause of a patient’s sciatic pain like a spinal stenosis or lumbar herniated disc. Keep in mind that not all exercise is good for sciatic nerve pain. Doing the wrong exercise can worsen your condition that is why it is important that your condition is diagnose accurately before you start any exercise program.
Core Muscle Strength. Sciatica exercises should focus on strengthening the back and abdominal muscles for it to be able to provide support to the back. Stretching exercise should target those muscles that bring pain. Most patients do recover fast from attacks of sciatica nerve pain when they go through a reliable program of stretching and gentle strengthening exercise and recurrent of pain is less likely to happen too.
Hamstring Stretching. Most sciatica responds well with regular routine of hamstring stretching. The muscles that are found in the back of the thigh are called Hamstring. When the hamstrings are tight it increases low back stress thus worsening the sciatica condition.
When you have your prescribed exercise program, it is better if you perform it under the guidance of your doctor until you are able to perform it correctly on your own. In addition to your sciatica exercises, walking is great too.