Best Exercises for sciatica

How often should I do exercises for helping my back pain?

Try and perform these exercises every day. You should find your pain eases within 2 weeks and will normally pass in 4 - 6 weeks. However it's important you see a GP if your pain does not improve within a few years. 

Knee to chest stretch

On your back on the floor. Place a small, flat cushion or book under your head. Bend your knees and keep your feet straight and hip-width apart. Keep your upper body relaxed and your chin gently tucked in.

Bring your knees in towards your chest and hold it with both hands. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds with controlled relaxing deep breaths.

Leg Stretch 

On your back. Place a small, flat cushion under your head. Bend your knees and keep your feet straight and hip-width apart. 

Bend one knee up towards your chest. Hold the back of your upper leg with both hands, then slowly straighten the knee. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, taking deep breaths. Bend the knee and return to the starting position.

Repeat 2 or 3 times, alternating legs.

Gluteal stretch

Bend your left leg and rest your right foot on your left thigh.

Take your left thigh and pull it towards you. Keep the base of your spine on the floor throughout and your hips straight. You should feel the stretch in your right buttock. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds while taking deep breaths.

Repeat 2 or 3 times with each leg.

If you think you have sciatica pop over to our blog on sciatica that might be able to help you. 

If you are in the Glasgow area we do run classes that are specific for back pain. You can find out more about the classes we offer here