Browsing the archives for the Sciatica Stretches category

Sciatica Stretch for Piriformis syndrome

Sciatica Stretches

If you have sciatica as a result of Piriformis syndrome, this is one of the better sciatica stretches to do.  Piriformis syndrome is the condition where the piriformis muscle, located deep in the buttocks region, will have spasms, become tight and possibly apply pressure to the sciatic nerve.  This muscle is responsible for rotation of the hips and legs.

Start off by lying down on your back with your legs slightly bent.  Cross one of your legs over the other.  If you want to stretch the right side, put the right leg over the left, and vice versa.  Now, lift the bottom leg up as far as you can, using your hands to help lift the legs and hold them in place.  If done right, you should feel a nice stretch in the buttocks.  Hold this stretch for 15-20 seconds, doing three different sets.

You can also do this stretch without having to cross the legs fully, which may be uncomfortable for some.  You can lift one knee into your chest and stretch it across your body, leaving the other leg on the floor.  This method does not give as good leverage as the first method detailed and you may not feel as good of a stretch.

Alternatively, you can do this with you legs on the ground, with your body upright.  Watch the video below to see what this Piriformis stretch looks like:

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Stretch #2 – Hamstring Stretch

Sciatica Stretches

The hamstring stretch is good because it will loosen up the muscles near the sciatic nerve that are tight and may push down on the nerve.

Lay down flat on your back.  Slowly lift one leg up to your chest with your knee bent.  Using your hands to support the leg, straighten it out as much as you can.  As always, do not stretch it too hard – you do not want to inflict pain or cause a muscle strain.  Hold this stretch for about 20 seconds, then put your leg back on the ground and let it relax.  You want to do this stretch at least three times for 20 seconds each.

A slight variation of this sciatica stretch is to lay down flat on your back and to lift one leg as far as it can go.  This time, you do NOT want to bend the knee – keep the leg straight at all times.  You will want to use your hands to support the leg.  Again, do this stretch at least 3 times for about 20 seconds each rep.

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Stretch #1 – Seal Stretch

Sciatica Stretches

This is a very popular stretch that is very refreshing for anyone.  You may know it by a different name, though the phrase “seal stretch” is quite descriptive.

Lay flat on your belly with your hands at your sides and your palms on the ground.  Push up and lift only your upper body as far as your body allows.  You do not want to inflict pain on yourself with this stretch (or any sciatica stretch.)  Lift yourself slowly to avoid straining the muscles or spine, and do not arch your back too much to avoid hurting yourself.

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