Stretching the Sciatic Nerve for Pain Relief & Improved Mobility
Sciatica is a group of symptoms caused by injury, irritation, or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica can cause pain, numbness, tingling, mobility issues, and other problems that affect every area of your life. At DeGroot Chiropractic Orthopedics, we specialize in evaluating and treating sciatica in Wilmington, DE. Dr. de Groot and his team will design a personalized sciatica treatment plan that will get you back on your feet as soon as possible. He will also encourage you to complete these sciatic stretches at home to speed the healing process and improve your mobility.
What Is Your Sciatic Nerve?
The sciatic nerves are two main nerves that run from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatica occurs when one of these nerves is inflamed, irritated, or injured. This can happen due to a car or work accident, sports injury, fall, or other traumatic injury. One of the most common causes of sciatica is a herniated, slipped, or bulging disc. Another common cause is a bone spur on the spine.
What Are Sciatic Stretches?
Sciatic stretches are simple, repetitive motions that you can do at home. These exercises are designed to loosen and strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve your spinal alignment. They won’t solve the underlying cause of your sciatica, but they are a supplemental treatment method that can reduce pain and inflammation and improve range of motion and mobility.
How to Stretch Your Sciatic
There are three simple, easy sciatic stretches you can perform at home to ease your rehabilitation:
- Scissor Hamstring Stretch – Stand with your right foot slightly in front of your left and about three feet apart. Keep your hips and shoulders faced forward and place your hands on your hips. While bending forward at the waist, fold your torso forward over your front leg. Your back leg should remain straight. Hold this stretch for 5-10 seconds and then switch legs.
- Back Flexion Stretch – While lying on your back, pull your knees to your chest. Slowly bring your head forward and hold for 5-10 seconds.
- Sciatic Nerve Glide – While sitting upright on a chair, keep one foot flat on the floor while straightening your other knee out in front of you. Bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing towards you, then point them away from you again. Do this 15-20 times and then repeat with the other leg.
Get Spinal + Sciatic Treatment in Wilmington, DE
At DeGroot Chiropractic Orthopedics, Dr. de Groot offers helpful decompression and chiropractic care to treat the underlying cause of your sciatica and relieve your symptoms. Don’t go through another day suffering from sciatic pain and other symptoms. Visit us today for safe, effective spinal and sciatica treatment in Wilmington, DE. To schedule an appointment, call us today or request an appointment online.
