Are you aware that sciatica affects one in ten individuals? This implies that either you or someone you know has experienced this condition at some point in their life. However, do you understand what sciatica is and why it is essential to take it seriously?

What is sciatica?

The sciatic nerve travels from your lower back down the back of your leg to your foot. It can run around or even through muscles such as your piriformis and gluteal muscles in the buttock region. As a result, not only can a spinal misalignment or disc shift cause problems, but a tight muscle can also lead to sciatic pain. Therefore, correctly diagnosing the cause of your sciatica is critical in determining the appropriate treatment. For some people, simply stretching a muscle or getting a massage can alleviate their symptoms, while others may require spinal adjustments. The ideal approach varies from person to person.

Why is identifying sciatica important?

The severity of certain sciatica symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness, necessitates that we take sciatica seriously, and so should you. These symptoms can be life-altering, and relieving them is our primary goal. We suggest seeing a healthcare practitioner who can conduct physical tests to determine the root of the problem and refer you to appropriate care for your health and healing.

If you’re struggling with sciatica, here are my top three tips to help:

1. Check your posture and alignment to ensure you’re sitting up straight and tall, with your ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment.

2. Stretch your gluteal muscles. The “figure of 4 stretch” and simple yoga stretches like “child’s pose” can help. If you require assistance with these, please do not hesitate to ask, and we will gladly demonstrate.

3. Collaborate with a healthcare practitioner to identify the issue and receive treatment.

Numerous resources are available to assist you with sciatica, so take advantage of this knowledge and do not hesitate to ask any of us at In Flow for assistance or information.