While there are many causes of leg pain and myriad types of pain that can occur in your legs, pain from sciatica can be debilitating and should be diagnosed by a sciatica doctor as soon as possible. If you are experiencing leg pain ranging from the feeling of a bad cramp up to excruciating shooting pain running down your leg and into your toes, it is critical to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Common conditions that cause sciatica include a herniated or slipped disc, Piriformis syndrome (located in the piriformis muscle), spinal stenosis, and Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra). Sciatica can also be the result of a “pinched nerve”. No matter the cause, it is important that you seek treatment, which may include stretching exercises to alleviate sciatica pain.
Best Stretches for Sciatica Pain
Treatment for sciatica is intended to reduce pain and increase mobility to help you return to a normal, pain-free life. At Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation, we believe in conservative, non-invasive treatment methods including physical therapy. Below are a few stretching exercises that you can do to help manage your pain caused by sciatica:
- Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Your lower back should not be touching the floor in this relaxed position. Tighten your abdominal muscles so that your lower back does touch the floor, hold for 5 seconds, and relax. You should repeat this 3 times, building up to 10.
- Knees to Chest: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Raise one knee to your chest, press the small of your back into the floor, and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this 5 times and then move to the other knee.
- Back Stretch: Lie on your stomach and use your arms to push your upper body off the floor (similar to the “cobra pose” in yoga) and hold for 5 seconds. Release and allow your back to relax on the floor. Repeat 10 times.
If you experience any new or seriously increased pain during stretching, stop immediately and contact your physical therapist.
Sciatica Pain Management in New Jersey
At Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation, our NJ sciatica doctors and physical therapists work together to create the best pain management program for your individual needs. We offer non-surgical treatments based on your healthcare requirements, and we avoid pain killers so that you can focus on naturally improving your body.
If you are experiencing serious pain running from the lower back through your toes, contact our specialists for a free consultation in Ocean or Monmouth counties.
