Stretches that can Help Sciatica

Symptoms of Sciatica Include Pain, Weakness & Numbness in the Leg and Foot

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg and/or foot.  It is caused by injury or pressure on the sciatic nerve.  The most common pressure occurs from tightness of the piriformis muscle, which runs across the buttock to the outer hip.  Stretching this muscle help reduce and prevent the sciatic symptoms.

Knee To Opposite Shoulder Stretch can Help Sciatica

Lie face up on your back with both knee straight, bring your knee up toward your chest, grab the upper shin with both hands and slowly pull it further toward chest.  When you feel the slight stretch in the buttock, exhale, and pull it toward the opposite shoulder.  Hold it for 30 seconds, return to the starting point and repeat with the opposite leg.

You can perform this stretch while sitting on the chair or while standing with your back against the wall. 

Dr. Bui