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Physical Therapy for Sciatica: Facts and Myths

By: Walter Kopal

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Sciatica is a general term that refers to pain caused by compression, of one or more nerves exiting the lower spine that make up the sciatic nerve. There are a many different conditions that can cause sciatica pain.

A physiatrist or other spine specialist who treats the back pain and leg pain associated with sciatica may recommend exercises for sciatica as part of a treatment program. It is important to first get correct diagnosis for the cause of sciatic pain, as the specific back exercises recommended will depend on the cause of the sciatica.

To be effective, sciatica exercises suggested for certain conditions must be done regularly (typically two times daily) and accurately. Minute attention to posture and body mechanics is the key to getting the full benefit from the sciatica exercises. Continuing with a program of gentle exercise and stretching is beneficial for a current episode of sciatic pain but also for overall back health and for preventing future back problems.

In reality there are 3 simple exercises that can help you to relieve your sciatica and help to prevent any recurrences as well. They are as follows...

Strengthen Your Abdominals

Your abdominal muscles are the most important muscle for pelvis and lower back stability. Your sciatica is caused by irritation to the sciatic nerve. If your abdominal muscles are strong then these areas are more stable and able to move easier. Abdominal muscle strength does not mean spending numerous hours doing sit-ups or crunches. As a matter of fact these types of exercises do nothing to strengthen the abdominals; they can actually target the hip flexors which if over tight help create your sciatica. Abdominal strength requires a good nerve and blood supply to the abdominal muscles and then targeted exercise that increases the strength of these muscles in days. To improve your abdominals you need ideal strengthening techniques.

Relax Your Hip Flexors

The hip flexor muscle group if tight increases the curve of our lower back. This increases pressure on the sciatic nerve and allows sciatica to occur. The hip flexors and abdominal muscles work together. A strong abdominal group and a balanced hip flexor group give you stability, flexibility and strength in your lower spine. If this is achieved your sciatica will disappear quickly and is easy to prevent. To stretch the hip flexors, you need to target them rightly and the most important aspect of stretching is not what to stretch, but when and how to stretch. Knowing when and how means you spend minimal time stretching with maximum gains. Easing tension can be achieved within days not weeks or months.

Piriformis Stretching

The sciatic nerve either runs through or next to the Piriformis muscles. If tight the Piriformis allows sciatica to occur. So with all sciatica, Piriformis stretching is essential. What to stretch is pertinent, how and when to stretch is essential. Especially if you want to change your sciatica quickly and forever, perfect stretching is the key! The 3 most important muscles to target, if you suffer sciatica are the abdominal, hip flexor and Piriformis muscles. Target these and sciatica is easily controlled.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

If you'd like to learn more about Sciatica medicine please logon to sciatic exercises site or physical therapy for sciatica.

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