Sciatica Stretches

Sciatic nerve pain, referred to as sciatica, is pain that runs from the lower back, down each side of the buttocks, and down each leg. It is often felt with a shooting pain. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we can treat sciatica with adjustments. There are also some at-home stretches you can do to relieve pain. As always, stop these stretches if it makes the pain worse. It is a good idea to first talk about these stretches with your chiropractor if you are receiving treatment for sciatica.
Reclining Pigeon Pose

• Lie on your back and bring your right leg up to a right angle. Grasp it behind your knee with both hands.
• Bring up your left leg and place your right ankle on the knee of your left leg.
• Hold for twenty seconds and then switch legs and repeat.

Knee to Opposite Shoulder

• Lie on your back with your legs out in front of you.
• Bring your right knee to your chest toward your left shoulder and hold for thirty seconds.
• Push your knee back to the starting position. Repeat for a total of three reps.
• Switch legs and repeat stretch.

Spinal Twist

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you.
• Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left knee.
• Place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee as you turn your body toward the right.
• Hold for thirty seconds, repeat three times.
• Switch positons so your left leg is bent and you are twisting to the left, repeat three times.

Performing these stretches should take pressure off of your sciatic nerve and relieve pain. To schedule your next appointment at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center, call our San Rafael, CA office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.