Get relief from Sciatica

Firstly and most importantly if you suspect you have Sciatica before you do anything else you MUST get it checked by a qualified medical professional (chiropractor, doctor or physiotherapist) before you attempt to treat it yourself. Sciatica can be caused by a tight muscle in your bottom, a slipped disc or even in rare cases cancer. So your first port of call is a medical professional!

Sciatica is a fairly common form of lower back pain and describes a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis.

People who have Sciatica may experience any of the following sensations:

• Tingling down the leg
• a "shooting" pain that makes it difficult to stand up
• Numbness in the leg
• Lower back pain which is usually less than the leg pain
• Weakness in the leg making it difficult to move

Typically, the above symptoms are only felt on one side of the body.

Slipped Disk

Can cause pressure on the Sciatic nerve.

Spinal Stenosis

A narrowing of the spinal canal, normally due to old age but pregnancy can cause it. This causes pressure to be put on the Sciatic nerve causing the pain.

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis is a muscle in your bottom. The Sciatic nerve runs underneath this muscle - in some people it actualy goes through it. If your piriformis is very tight it can press on the Sciatic nerve causing the above symptoms.

Sacroiliac joint problems

The sacroiliac joint sits at the base of your spine. It takes a lot of wear and tear and can become damaged and inflamed again causing pressure on the Sciatic nerve.

If your Sciatica is being caused by Piriformis Syndrome or Sacroiliac joint problems the good news is Pilates can help.

Pilates focuses on strengthening your core muscles in your stomach and back. This can in time help to relieve the symptoms, and the pain caused by Sciatica.

If you would like to know more about Sciatica and how Pilates could help, please visit my free-pilates-exercises website.

Remember do not try and treat yourself until you have seen a medical professional and have been cleared to do Pilates by them.