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Sciatic Pain. These stretches can help.

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A tight piriformis muscle is often a contributing factor for sciatica. This is because the sciatic nerve weaves its way through the glutes, running very close, and sometimes through the piriformis muscle. If the muscle is tight or in spasm it compresses the nerve causing the familiar pain, burning and numbing sensation. There are several stretches you can do in your own home to help release a tight piriformis and relieve lower back pain. Leg crossovers, seated figure four, knee tips and standing pigeon. Check out these and additional stretches at Stretching Around the House™ and see how good they make you feel!
Sciatic pain is caused by the inflammation, pinching or compression of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower back and sacrum, then runs through the glutes and down the leg to the knee, where it branches into the tibial and peroneal nerves that continue down calf to the foot.

Back pain comes in all shapes and sizes. It can flare up immediately after an injury or appear slowly and mysteriously over a period of months. It might be sudden and short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).

Web MD

The symptoms of sciatica are a shooting or burning pain, starting in the lower back or glutes, which radiates down the front or back of the leg, often as far as the foot and toes. Numbness and a tingling sensation can also be felt. The symptoms are usually one side, only affecting one leg at a time, but in rare cases it could happen in both.

Common Causes of Sciatic Pain

  • herniated disc (most common)
  • spinal stenosis
  • degenerative disc
  • spondylolisthesis
  • bone spur
  • muscle spasms
  • tight/inflamed muscles

Treatment

There are various treatments for sciatic pain ranging from prescription anti-inflammatory drugs/injections, hot/cold therapy to reduce inflammation, physical therapy, and stretching.

A tight piriformis muscle is often a contributing factor for sciatica. This is because the sciatic nerve weaves its way through the glutes, running very close, and sometimes through the piriformis muscle. If the muscle is tight or in spasm it compresses the nerve causing the familiar pain, burning and numbing sensation.

There are several stretches you can do in your own home to help release a tight piriformis and relieve lower back pain. Leg crossovers, seated figure four, knee tips and standing pigeon. Check out these and additional stretches at Stretching Around the House™ and see how good they make you feel!

Leg crossover stretch in bed.

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