Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

Though this is a departure from what we usually post on our website, I decided it was worth sharing.

I will never forget my first bout of sciatica. The pain was excruciating, and I had no idea how to relieve it. After a significant amount of research and wasting money on a brace that helped but wasn’t necessary, I found a simple stretch that’s effective and easy to do.

I demonstrate the stretch in the video below.

But first, a story:

Several years ago, we were having our master bathroom remodeled. One of our favorite workers was taking care of some minor things on a Friday afternoon. It was obvious he was in pain—he could barely stand up. When he told me he had sciatica, I offered to show him the stretch. He was desperate for relief and said he’d try anything.

Can you picture it? I’m lying on the floor in our bedroom, demonstrating a stretch to a construction worker I barely know.

As he hobbled out the door, I prayed that he would give it a try.

He did. And it worked.

On Monday morning, he was back to work on our project, pain-free and moving normally.

The stretch is a common one that physical therapists and yoga teachers often use, and I’ve shown it to many people over the years.

We decided to make the video when our barber (Jerry and I get our hair cut by the same guy) canceled an appointment because of his sciatica. I couldn’t demonstrate the stretch in person, so Jerry shot a quick video and we sent it to him.

If you suffer from sciatica or you know someone who does, try this stretch. It’s a simple, drug-free way to relieve your pain.

Tweet this! How to relieve the pain of sciatica -- a simple stretch. Click to Tweet

Disclaimer: I am not a physician or medical professional of any type, and this advice should in no way be a substitute for competent medical care. If your pain persists, seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

 

Jacquelyn Lynn
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