Curing Sciatica Through Exercises

Aug. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Sciatica usually starts due to the obstruction or inflammation of a large nerve whose starting point is the lower spine. Sciatica took its name from the affected nerve known as the sciatic nerve. This nerve is integral to the sensory and motor activities of the legs and feet. Sciatic pain can be a great hindrance to everyday living. Understanding the structure and function of the sciatic nerve is the key element to sciatic cure. The cause of sciatica may be a bulging or dislocated vertebral disc or an overused Piriformis muscle.  This can generate nerve irritation. In some cases, an injury or fall can produce swelling, thus impacting the sciatic nerve. A thorough investigation on sciatica suggests that there are many causes for nerve inflammation.

The importance of exercises to cure sciatica has been greatly accepted by many medical experts. Exercises to cure sciatica are based on the belief that without movement, muscles on the back can become weaker. This can lead to a higher chance of sciatica flare ups. Patients can carefully implement a certain group of exercises to cure sciatica. Simple and easy-to-do sciatica exercises can be created through the help of a qualified physician and/or a physical therapist. These exercises are commonly integrated into a sciatica cure program.

Common types of exercises recommended for a sciatic cure are called flexion and extension. Flexion exercises involve the pulling of the knee to the chest, while extension is characterized as arching motions. Patients can engage in strengthening and endurance exercises for better tolerance from nerve stress. Sets of sciatica exercises are also introduced in Pilates or Yoga. In Pilates, the series of exercises must not be executed recklessly this could irritate the sciatic nerve more. An experienced Pilate’s trainer should keep in mind that Sciatica is an injury that should not be further aggravated. Pilates gentle exercises do not over stretch the nerve. Yoga exercises concentrate more on easing the tension of the back muscles. This can lessen the current pressure on the sciatic nerve.
If a herniated disc is the cause of the sciatica, then exercises should veer away from the excessive use of the Piriformis muscles. Too much forward bending or flexion will not help this type of sciatica. Aside from prevention, a number of medical experts support that regular exercise is a way to manage the pain. This can allow a patient to be less reliant on pain medication.

When a trainer prescribes a set of exercise that involves stretching and movement, pay close attention to how your body responds. If a set of sciatica exercises causes more pain on your back, buttocks or legs, then it is in your best interest to stop right away. Remember that the goal for sciatica exercises is to diminish, if not cure the intensity and scope of the pain. In some situations, exercises may be an inadequate sciatica cure. The patient may need to undergo a series of medical tests to address the cause of sciatica. However, exercises can potentially help patients to avoid medications and surgery.

For more information check out:

http://www.cureforsciaticapain.org/info