Traditional medical treatment for sciatica can sometimes be not as effective or ineffective for individuals, but nerve flossing is an option that could help. Flossing is not something individuals expect to hear from a medical professional treating their sciatica. However, when sciatica does not respond to common treatment methods like light physical activity or medications, a physician, chiropractor, or physical therapist might suggest combining traditional treatment with nerve flossing to alleviate sciatic nerve pain.
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The nerves can get jammed/stuck between the tissues and cannot move or flex as they should. Nerve flossing involves performing gentle exercises to mobilize and stretch the nerves that help reduce irritation and inflammation and improve mobility, especially in the hips. Nerve flossing is also known as:
The exercises can be done at home with no equipment and simple instructions. The effectiveness is increased when combined with other treatments, like chiropractic and physical therapy. Consult with a doctor or doctor of chiropractic for an accurate diagnosis because what is causing sciatica helps significantly to determine the best treatment plan.
These are simple exercises but still, require following safety guidelines to prevent injury or pain. These include:
True nerve flossing is an active movement with motion; otherwise, it just stretches.
The piriformis muscle joins the base of the spine to the upper leg. Because this muscle is so close to the sciatic nerve, any type of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve can also cause piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome can cause radiating pain to the:
Nerve flossing can also help relieve the symptoms increasing flexibility and range of motion.
These exercises are not about pushing the body to its limits or in a way that causes pain. They are designed to rehabilitate, stretch, and strengthen the sciatic nerve making risks for further injury minimal. If there are still concerns about the safety of nerve flossing exercises, check with a doctor, doctor of chiropractic, or physical therapist. If there is severe nerve damage or undiagnosed acute pain, nerve flossing could worsen symptoms. Nerve flossing for acute cases of nerve irritation is not recommended as this can cause nerve root aggravation with stretching/pulling.
More research is needed on how nerve flossing can best help sciatica. It is an easy, natural, medication-free treatment that can help soothe irritated and compressed nerves and improve mobility and flexibility.
There is a difference between being tired after a long day working, playing, etc., and being tired regularly. This can be referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a clinical condition where fatigue lasts longer than six months. With acute, non-clinical fatigue, it is typical to experience many of the symptoms that hamper an individualβs ability to function. Symptoms can include:
With hectic schedules, sources of fatigue begin to pile up along with unhealthy diet choices that stem from:
Anikwe EE, Tella BA, Aiyegbusi AI, Chukwu SC: Influence of Nerve Flossing Technique on acute sciatica and hip range of motion,Β International Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research,Β 4(2) May β August 2015,Β www.ijmbr.com
Jeong UC, Kim CY, Park YH, Hwang-Bo G, Nam CW. The effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on physical functions and health of low back pain patients with lower limb radiating pain.Β J Phys Ther Sci.Β 2016;28(1):46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.46
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The information herein on "Nerve Flossing Exercises for Sciatica" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
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