2 Natural Ways Of Relieving Sciatica

Chiropractor – One of the natural ways of relieving sciatica is through chiropractic methods. It involves use of physical movements to treat sciatic pain and spinal injuries. However, you need to understand that there are no such standard chiropractic methods. Chiropractors are trained professionals who use non-invasive medical treatments such as spine manipulation and mobilization to decrease the intensity of sciatica pain. A chiropractor works on primarily the muscular and spinal systems. A skilled practitioner swiftly moves a joint out of the usual range of motion. Before the patient experience pain, the joint is out back to its original position. A chiropractor uses electric stimulation, spine and joint adjustments etc. to move a person’s body outside its range of motion.

Osteopath – An osteopath works on the whole body of the patient. A variety of poses is taught to the patient so that the latter can continue them at home without any instructor. Osteopath also involves massage and physical therapies. Osteopaths involve gentler muscle stretching techniques surrounding the areas of the joints. The major difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath is that the former focuses mostly on the spine and the joints whereas an osteopath does not focus on any specific body part.

Both of the above mentioned techniques are two different schools of thought having different approaches to healing sciatica. However, to an untrained eye, they may look similar.

An effective sciatica exercise should involve the following:

• Stretching of the lower back

• Stretching of the gluteal and piriformis muscles

• Stretching the leg muscles

In quite a few cases, the origin of sciatica pain is due to tight muscles in the legs and buttocks. There are quite a few ways of loosening these muscles. Have a look at this following exercise:

• Lie down on your back and bend your knees with the feet touching the floor.

• Lengthen your muscles and tilt the knees to the right. The upper part of the body should turn towards the opposite side. This creates a twist on the back muscles and the spinal cord.

• Try to straighten the top leg at the knees as far as it is comfortable. Maintain this position for 15-20 seconds.

• Return to the bend position and take 5-10 deep breathes. Allow your body to relax for a couple of minutes.

• Repeat the same procedure by bending your knees towards the left and upper part towards the left.

• Straighten your leg in this position for 15-230 seconds before returning to the original position.

• All the above mentioned steps constitutes 1 session. Make an attempt to do at least 2-3 sessions initially. Increase the frequency of sessions by 1-2 on a weekly basis.

This technique loosens the back as well as the leg muscles. The weight on the spinal cord is decreased. Blood circulation on the pain affected areas is improved as the muscles get stretched. You may feel relief while performing on one side rather than the other. Maintain focus on the relieving side while gradually stretching the muscles on the other side on a weekly basis.

By: Alicia S. Campbell

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