The sciatic nerve is the longest and the widest one in the human body. It stretches from the spine in the lower back, through the buttock, and finishes down in the back side of the leg.
Sciatica pain is one of the worst one can experience, as it is imply unbearable and agonizing. Namely, you cannot sit down, and you cannot stand as well.
The most common symptoms of sciatic pain include pain on a side of the lower back, which stretches to the leg, and at times, even to the feet.
At times the pain may be felt in a single leg area, while the other body parts remain numb. Sometimes, the affected leg may be felt weak and cold.
Therefore, sciatica pain may also be manifested by symptoms such as numb thighs, weakness in the lower back or leg, tingling or burning sensation in the feet, legs, or rear, as well as loss of control of bowel and bladder or bowel.
However, the sciatic nerve may be irritated by other conditions, including some type of back injury, damaged or ruptured disc, spinal disorder like spondylitis, or spinal stenosis degenerative disc diseases.
Yet, one thing is for sure, you should not ignore these symptoms, as if left untreated, the situation will just get worse.
Often, the pain occurs slowly, but can be worsen during the night, or while walking or standing loner, while bending forward or backward, while sitting, coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Even though the common conventional therapies include special medications, almost all experts advise regular exercising, as well as stretching, as a way to relieve the symptoms.
Hence, yoga is the perfect discipline for this king of issues. A study published in 2009 by The Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine compared two groups of participants.
Researchers found that patients with moderate to serious back pain who alternated between regular care ( pain-soothing medications) and yoga sessions, reduced the frequency and intensity of pain significantly more that patients who relied on regular care only. However, note that you should always consult your doctor before you start practicing yoga to address this issue.
The following yoga exercises are the most efficient in reducing sciatic pain:
Dandasana – Staff Pose
This is the basic exercise, which should be done at the start. Sciatica pain may often result from poor blood circulation, as the pressure accumulates. Therefore, if you succeed to improve the blood circulation, you will effectively soothe sciatic pain.
This exercise will stimulate blood circulation in the affected areas, release the sciatic nerve, flex your lower back, and stretch your legs.
- Sit on the mat, outstretch your legs in front of you, and touch the floor with the palms on both sides.
- While stretching it, flex the feet forward.
- Pull the back up, and lengthen, stretch your spine.
- Hold this pose for 15-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
- In the end, relax. Repeat the exercise 5-10 times.
Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) (NEXT PAGE)
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