9 easy yoga positions to relieve sciatica pain in 16 mins or less

We have about a 40% chance of experiencing some sciatica pain during our lives. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in our body, running from the base of the spine right down through the thigh and calf muscles, all the way to the foot. Signs of sciatica can be as simple as a tingling or numbness anywhere in your buttocks, legs or feet, or it can manifest as severe pain in those areas.
Sciatica can also cause unexpected weakness in the legs, reduced reflexes in your achilles tendon and knee, and reduced flexibility in your ankles. Perhaps the most common is a pinching sensation in the butt or legs as you walk. Fortunately, there are some yoga stretches which can significantly ease the discomfort of sciatica. We've selected nine of the simplest poses that even yoga novices will be able to master.
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1. Standing back twist
The versatility of this pose makes it one of the most useful. You can take a quick break from your desk at work to do it - all you need is a chair or something else to elevate your foot. Check out how to do this move properly with the help of the video below:
2. Knee raise
Follow the video below to ensure you are doing this move properly.
3. Reclining big toe pose
An elastic strap is ideal for this one but you can also use a thin towel or a belt from a robe. Follow along the video below to master this move:
4. The single leg twist
Don't you love a move that involves lying on your back? Check out the following video to get started at home:
5. Upright king pigeon pose
This is a more basic variation of the king pigeon pose which can be performed anywhere, using a table or another hip-height surface. Watch the video demonstration below:
6. Simple seated twist
Follow along the video below to do this move properly:
7. Staff pose
Although basic, this is a very effective pose when performed properly.
8. Standing hamstring stretches
This is another good pose for stretching the hamstring.
9. Child's pose
This pose may look simplistic, but you'd be surprised how many people often forget to stretch (either at beginning or end of workout).
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Sciatica can be painful, especially when you suffer from it over long periods of time. Try some of these simple yoga poses every day for relief. It is best to hold all of these poses for ten breaths, or thirty seconds, and to repeat the exercises on the opposite side of your body. Even if you repeat each set twice you'll still only need about sixteen minutes to complete all of them. If you feel any pain (other than the normal tightness of a stretch), you should seek professional help. Otherwise, proceed gently and you'll find that yoga has a whole host of benefits for your wellbeing.
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.