The Long-Lost Muscles
September 10, 2024What Are Nerve Glides (aka Nerve Flossing)?
September 10, 2024The Importance of Consulting with Your PT
When people experience pain in their lower back and legs, their first instinct is generally to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the pain persists, they talk to their doctor or general practitioner, who may prescribe another pain reliever or an injection. In more serious cases, including spinal disc herniation, they may recommend surgery.
However, if you suffer from back pain — whether it’s characterized as sciatic pain or a herniated disc — relief may be closer than you think without reliance on drugs or surgery. It’s all about working with your physical therapist to find the ideal solution.
Many people who suffer from back pain tend to avoid physical activity. They take it easy until the pain subsides or they take a pain reliever to temporarily manage the pain. Unfortunately, when it comes to your back, taking it easy will not always produce the desired results. In fact, remaining sedentary can actually exacerbate the problem.
What can you do? For many people, the answer is exercise. If you’re dealing with the symptoms of sciatica, stretching, nerve glides, and core strength routines can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower back and legs. Yoga has been shown to help people with sciatic pain as well.
Do keep in mind that not all yoga poses or exercises are ideally suited for people with sciatica or other forms of back pain. It’s best to understand the source of your pain before committing to an exercise routine. For instance, if you suffer from disc herniation, certain motions and poses have the potential to place undue stress on your back and increase the pain.
The ideal nerve glides, yoga poses, and core strengthening exercises will depend on the source of your pain, so it’s crucial to consult with your physical therapist first. Your therapist can guide you and suggest appropriate steps to maximize your relief and avoid further discomfort.
