The following are five goals to keep in mind while doing exercises in the treatment of sciatica:
1. To reshape deformities (especially disc deformities)
2. To strengthen the muscles and improve the endurance of the back and core
3. To stretch the body parts (especially the hips) that will allow us to be in proper positions with spine stability when doing lifts, carries, bends, etc.
4. To floss nerves to allow them to move freely
5. To decompress the spine through spinal traction. Spinal traction causes the vertebra (the bones that form the back) to separate and relieve pressure off the spinal nerves.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to ask yourself: is this exercise helping? The goal in performing exercises is to have pain levels improve and shrink. If you are having pain in your back and your leg, we would like to see the leg pain begin to lessen first. Please recall that the more the sciatica nerve is irritated, the further down the leg the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or burning occur. The reverse is also true. As the nerve becomes less irritated, the symptoms generally improve in an ascending fashion. That translates to less pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and/or burning in the foot or lower leg. This can help you gauge whether your self-treatments are helping.
Check out the full Sciatica series of videos along with downloadable guide sheets for each video on our website.
DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician.
Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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