For those who’ve experienced sciatica pain before, it’s like a sharp pain that runs from the buttocks down to the back of the leg. Sciatica is a condition referring to impingement of the sciatic nerve which leads to pain and short-term disability. It’s important to determine if the symptoms stem from the back or the sciatic nerve. To help with this, go to a local doctor or physiotherapist. People with sciatica often experience a burning, dull ache, or sharp pain that runs all the way down the back of their thigh.
For most people, the pain of sciatica is worse when bending forward or after long periods of sitting, as well as first thing in the morning. The good news is that sciatica is often short lived and there’s a lot a person can do to decrease the pain! Here are 8 exercises that can help relieve sciatic pain (if you don’t see any improvement after these exercises, go see a doctor for a check up).
Use a Foam Roller
Foam rollers are great for stretching and releasing tension. For sciatic pain, I suggest using a foam roller to stretch and decrease tension in the hamstring, glutes and calves. By releasing these tight muscles, you’ll relieve the tension on the sciatic nerve.
Aim to use the foam roller every morning and night until sciatic pain has full disappeared. The goal is to pick a few areas that are tight and sore on the back of the legs, and use the roller here.