Can stretching help sciatica pain?

Question

Terrible sciatica pain in my leg has been bothering me for a few weeks now. My friend, who is a yoga instructor, suggested that regular stretching might help. Is stretching actually an effective way to relieve sciatica pain?

Abhishek Dubey · Accepted Answer

I was researching this because my dad has bad lower back pain. From what I read, gentle stretches like the pigeon pose or hamstring stretches can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. But you have to be very careful not to overstretch, otherwise it can worsen.

Neha Kulkarni · Answer

I always worry that if I stretch the wrong way, I will pinch the nerve even more and end up bedridden. It is so scary to try new movements when you are in pain. Please do it very slowly, and stop immediately if you feel a sharp shooting sensation.

Suresh Pillai · Answer

At 54, my back has its own personality, and sciatica is its angry mood! Gentle stretching does help, but don't try to become a yogi overnight. Just basic knee-to-chest movements on the bed itself help me get through the day without crying.

Ananthakrishnan Iyer · Answer

My family kept telling me to apply warm sesame oil and do deep forward bends. However, my orthopedist strictly warned me that forward bending can slip the disc further and pinch the nerve. I highly recommend consulting a proper physiotherapist before starting any stretch.

Priyanka Sharma · Answer

I am so scared to even bend down to pick up a mug right now. Every time I try to stretch my leg, I feel a burning pain down to my calf. Has anyone else felt this? Did stretching actually cure it for you or make it worse?

Can stretching help sciatica pain?

5 answers

Consult a physiotherapy and rehabilitation

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