Sciatica is pain that is felt in the back, down the back of the leg, and in the hip. It is caused by a compression of the spinal nerve roots in the lower back. A common way to treat sciatica is to visit your medical doctor for a prescription. While this may offer temporary relief, wouldn’t it be better to treat the root cause of the problem so that sciatica doesn’t recur? Better yet, what if this can be done without drugs or invasive medical procedures?

Upper cervical chiropractors have been helping sciatica patients for quite some time with positive results. My focus is on the top two bones of the neck. If these bones are in alignment, often the symptoms of sciatica are related and will be helped by an adjustment.  

Another important part of helping cope with the pain of sciatica is stretching the muscles through simple exercises. Here are a few possibilities (but always ask a physician before starting an exercise routine):
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Stretching to Alleviate Sciatic Pain

• Lie flat on the floor. Pull both knees toward the chest so the injured leg is crossed over the other leg. Place both hands behind the knee of the uninjured leg, and pull both legs toward the chest until the stretch is felt.
• Lie with the back flat on the floor, pull the knee of the injured leg toward the chest with the hand on the same side and gently pull the ankle toward the opposite thigh with the opposite hand. Hold it for 30 seconds, and then slowly bring it back to a resting position.
• Lie on the floor with the back flat. Cross the injured leg over the other leg so the sole of the foot of the injured leg is flat on the ground. Pull the knee of the injured leg, which should be bent over the other leg, straight toward the head with the hands.

Each of these stretches should be repeated in three sets once a day. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds and then rest and repeat. This helps to get the muscle warmed up, lubricates the joints, and increases the range of motion. It also aids in bringing nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and in relieving sciatica pain.

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