How to Relieve a Pinched Sciatic Nerve

That sharp little pain in your lower back can be very debilitating when you try to perform even the simplest of tasks. If you are sure it is the sciatic nerve, learn here how to get some relief.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a straight-backed chair
• pillows

1. Sit up straight in a chair that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor. Shoulders back, don't slouch. Knees and feet a comfortable distance apart.

2. Bring your right ankle up to rest on your left knee (this is crossing your legs, man-style). With both hands press slowly but firmly down on your right knee, the one that is suspended in the air. Press down for about 10 seconds, then release. Place right foot back on the floor.

3. Repeat step 2 with the left leg, pressing firmly down on the left knee for about 10 seconds, then release.

4. Another stretch: Cross right leg over left knee (this is crossing your legs woman-style). Place left hand on the knee and push toward the left as you twist your torso to the right to look behind you. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, then release.

5. Cross the left leg over the right knee now, and put your right hand on the knee. Twist your torso to the left and look behind you. Hold for 10 more seconds, and release.

6. When you go to bed, be sure that you sleep in a position that is comfortable to your lower back, and use pillows between your knees and/or arms to keep your spine straight.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice good posture, and try to make it your habit to sit in straight-backed chairs, which discourage slouching.
• You've heard it before: Lift with your legs, not with your back.
• The stretches in this article were taught to me by a nurse, and have given me effective relief from sciatic nerve pain. You, however, are a different case. If it hurts to do this, DON'T DO IT.
• See your chiropractor or doctor for persistent pain.

[bmi57]

on 7/21/2008 Worth every bit of a 5 star.

[bmi57]

on 7/21/2008 SOOOO painful, thanks for the advice.

[Pixie1976]

on 6/12/2008 Oh I was preg. with my daughter and I thought I was loosing her, but it was sciatica.