12 Of The Best Ways To Outsmart Sciatica Pain

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10. Practice Stretching

If you suffer from sciatica, stretching has just become your new best friend. Stretching is just as important as exercise for sciatica patients and it should be made a part of your exercise routine. Stretching should be done daily to prevent tight muscles, lengthen the muscles, and prevent spasms. This alone can help to both prevent and treat sciatica. If your job involves a great deal of repetitive movements, such as cashiering, try to take regular breaks to stretch for 10 or 15 minutes.

11. Relax

Everyone has at least some stress in their lives and people carry it in different parts of their bodies. Some carry it in their neck, others in their shoulders, and others in their spine and lower back. These tight muscles cause you to adopt unhealthy postures which can lead to sciatica. Take time out of your day to relax and release tension.

12. Lighten the Load

People who carry heavy loads can often find themselves suffering from lower back pain and sciatica. If possible, avoid carrying more weight than you have to. Are you certain you are going to read that hardback book on the subway? Can you leave that heavy jacket at the office during lunch? Are you absolutely going to need every book and notebook in your backpack? Sometimes, carrying less is simply a matter of being organized or making plans in advance. If you must play the part of a pack mule occasionally, try to distribute the load. Don’t carry a great deal of weight on one side only, or change sides frequently.

Don’t forget simple things that can also help such as long soaks in a warm bath with Epsom salts, get extra rest and try a gentle massage to loosen up tight muscles.

If your pain persists despite all of your best efforts, talk to your doctor about other options that might be available to you.

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