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Sciatica Acting Up? This Can Help

Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes

Sciatica acting up? Don’t let it derail your day.

There’s one simple movement you can do to ease that shooting pain: nerve flossing.

Why Nerve Flossing Works

The sciatic nerve runs a long path, starting from your lower back, through your hip, down the back of your leg, and all the way to your big toe. When it’s irritated, the goal isn’t to overwork it—it’s to gently move it through its natural pathway, which can help release tension and reduce pain.


Here’s How to Do It:

  1. Find a Comfortable Seat: Sit on something soft so as not to irritate the nerve.
  2. Start Gently:
    • Stretch your leg forward until you feel a light stretch in the nerve.
    • Stop as soon as you feel the stretch—don’t push into pain.
  3. Flex Your Foot:
    • With your leg slightly extended, flex your foot towards your knee.
    • Repeat this movement 5–7 times.
    • If you notice relief, continue.
  4. Add Neck Movement:
    • As you flex your foot towards your knee, tilt your chin down towards your chest.
    • Repeat the sequence 5–7 times.
  5. Repeat with Care: Gradually work through the entire nerve pathway, going further only if it feels good.

Why This Works

Nerves love movement—not overexertion. By gently flossing the nerve, you’re helping it glide through its pathway, reducing the tension that’s causing your discomfort.


What to Avoid

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Sciatica is usually a soft tissue issue, not a skeletal one. Adjustments won’t fix the root cause.
  • Cortisone Shots: These are temporary and can degrade tissue over time. Long-term relief comes from working on the muscle system.

When done consistently, nerve flossing can be a game-changer for sciatica relief. Give it a try today, and don’t forget—less is more. Gentle, intentional movements will always yield the best results.

Need more tips on handling back pain? Click here for more resources.

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11/21/2024

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Sciatica Acting Up? This Can Help