Sciatic Nerve Stretches – Learn One of the Best Sciatic Nerve Stretches

Sciatica is a very common condition that plagues millions of people in our modern world. There are a variety of causes of sciatic pain, ranging from poor posture, excessive time seated in front of a computer, and even inadequate nutrition.

Treatment for sciatica can be challenging, as the pain often stems from long-term, chronic degeneration in the spinal column between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Before considering surgery, I recommend pursuing treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical therapy.

Perhaps even before pursuing these routes, I would consider undertaking a regimen of sciatic nerve stretches that will help to alleviate the pain and can in some situations offer long-standing resolution.

Below is a description of one of my favorite sciatic nerve stretches. This is a yoga pose traditionally called prasarita.

Stand straight up, and bring your feet about 3-4 feet apart depending on your height (greater distance if taller). Parallel the insides of the feet and flex the quadriceps muscles above the knees. Take a deep breath in, suck in the lower abdomen to engage your core muscles, and exhale, bending at the waist keeping a long spine.

Bend all the way down until you start to feel a slight pull in your hamstrings and the outsides of the legs. You may only bend slightly at first as your legs will likely be tight if you have chronic sciatic pain. Do not force it or go deeper than feels comfortable. Now, relax your neck and look down at the ground. You can rest your hands on the knees, shins, or outside of the feet – wherever it feels natural. The goal of the pose is to rest the crown of your head on the floor right in front of you.Maintain the pose for 10 deep, slow breaths and then, bending at the waist, inhale and slowly rise back up.

This is an brilliant pose to gently stretch the sciatic nerve and encourage blood flow throughout the lower extremities. I recommend doing this pose 2-3 times a day when you are not in an active flare up of pain. It should be used more for prevention.

I have seen the regular practice of this pose go a long ways toward healing chronic sciatic pain.

To learn more about effective, all-natural ways to quickly heal the root cause of sciatic pain, I invite you to visit http://www.stopsciaticanaturally.com

Kevin Doherty, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist with an extensive background in treating sciatica and other kinds of chronic pain using all natural treatment options.