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Exercises for Relieving Sciatica

Tess Thompson

Sciatica pain is the name given to pain that is caused by the compression of the roots of the sciatica nerve. This nerve runs from the lower spine to the tips of the toes and is the longest nerve in the human body system. There are many conditions that can cause sciatica pain to occur.

In most cases sciatic pain is episodic. It is likely to subside within a couple of weeks if immediate sciatic nerve treatment is sought. Attending to the pain immediately can help in arresting any complications that can arise.
                                                               
There are many therapy options that one can choose from while selecting a specific treatment for sciatica. But exercise is one aspect that is common to all kinds of sciatic alternative remedies. The need for exercise is understood by practitioners of all disciplines. A regular exercise regime coupled with medication can create a synergistic effect and provide maximum relief for the patient.

A compressed sciatic nerve often leads to a series of reactions that can cause various conditions. It leads to many issues, such as

• A depletion of energy in patients
• Inactivity
• Stiffness of the body
• Tense muscles
• Weak muscles
• Higher susceptibility to injury

Exercise can help in rehabilitating the patient. There are different kinds of exercises that are recommended for different patients. These are based on the condition, age, gender, weight and other such aspects. Since the exercise regime needs to be customized for each individual, it is necessary that a trained professional be consulted. If you work out regularly under the guidance of a good therapist, chances are that you shall soon regain a large part of normal body mobility.

It is especially important to seek the advice of a qualified exercise therapist because they will design a program based on the cause of your sciatica pain.

• Most sciatic exercises are designed to work on the particular area or muscle that is compressing the nerve.
• In cases where a herniated disc is causing sciatica pain, the exercise needs to focus on bending the spine backwards.
• If the diagnosis points at spinal stenosis, the focus of the exercise regime should be on postural improvement and abdominal exercises.
• Those suffering pain from piriformis syndrome need to concentrate on stretching exercises to relax the tensed up hamstring and piriformis muscle.
• Cases that involve sacroiliac joint dysfunction need to be addressed by exercises that help in reinstating original motion of the joint.

It is also important that adequate periods of rest are part of the entire schedule. Too much exercise can actually harm a sciatica patient. But to derive maximum benefit, the exercise regime needs to be a part of daily schedule.