Sciatica is a symptom of a number of disorders and certainly not a disorder by itself. Most experts believe it is due to the shrinkage of the vertebra which causes compression of the spinal nerves as well. As you may have experienced, spinal nerve compression may be manifested by varying degrees of pain in the thigh and leg area. Nonetheless, there are exercises to relieve sciatica pain. These exercises are aimed to produce pain relief and at the same time ease the compression of the nerves, which is said to cause pain, numbness and weakness.

First, it is worth noting that sciatica is not a disorder but a set of symptoms. Thus, referring to it as a sole medical condition is a misuse of the term. The term has a general application that pertains to pain that is usually felt due to the injury or compression of the nerves that constitute the sciatic nerve. There are many conditions that bring about this problem. Medically, it is known as radiculopathy – a condition that refers to the extension of the vertebral disc outside the normal location. Thus, this causes irritation of the radicular nerve (nerve root) which runs in the lower back.

Sciatic nerve branches off as it travels down to the legs, particularly through the dorsal regions. Areas where the nerves travel are where the localized pain and weakness are felt.

While some patients may feel as though bedridden rest seems to be the better option, recuperation is can be faster if exercises are performed; this is because lack of mobility aggravates pain. The aim of maintaining muscular integrity is to prevent the deactivation of the affected muscles and nerve fibers. This has a feedback effect. Loss of muscular movement due to prolonged rest and inactivity weakens the muscles, bones and nerves of the affected regions. This weakening makes the patient more prone to injury, thus, back pain. Moreover, exercises to relieve sciatica pain also improve the condition of the vertebral discs.

Aside from targeting the affected muscles and nerves, the exercises are also geared to provide strength to the muscles of the back and abdomen. When these muscles are strengthened, they provide better back support. Exercises relieve tight and rigid muscles in the long run. The tightness and rigidity account for the painful sensation.

Exercises to relieve sciatica pain depend upon the cause of the condition. A physiotherapist, chiropractor, and other specialists may have varied therapeutic techniques to target muscular pains brought about by sciatica. Thus, it may be imperative to secure an appropriate diagnosis to determine the causal disorder and to arrive at the appropriate therapeutic method.