Write an article based on this "Stretch your hamstrings. Do a back flexion stretch. Try child's pose. Stretch your piriformis muscle."
A standing hamstring stretch is an exercise that can help treat sciatica pain by stretching and lengthening the hamstring (back of your thigh) muscles. Stand in front of a low table or sturdy box. Place one heel on the table or box on it while standing straight and keeping your foot flexed and toes pointed to the ceiling. Slowly bend over at the waist, making sure to keep your back straight. Try to touch your toes, as much as you can until you feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings. If you're not able to touch the toes, rest your hands on your shin or knee for a more comfortable position. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then return your foot to the floor. Repeat this stretch two to three times per leg. Flexing and bending your back forward can alleviate pain from sciatica. This helps to alleviate the irritation or impingement on the nerve. Start by lying on your back on the floor on an exercise mat or carpet. Bend both of your knees while raising them towards your chest. You will be able to feel a light stretch at the lower part of your back. Hold your knees at a position that you feel a light, yet comfortable stretching sensation in your lower back. Hold the stretch for thirty seconds, and repeat four to six times. Although a common pose to yoga, the child's pose is another exercise that can cause the comfortable, forward bending stretch that can help alleviate sciatica pain. Sit on your knees on a carpet or exercise mat. Lower your forehead to the ground and rest your head comfortably. Stretch your arms out in front of you and over your head and just allow them to relax, palm-side down on the mat or carpet in front of you. Hold this position for 30 seconds and repeat four to six times as you're able and feel comfortable. The piriformis stretch or "ankle over knee" exercise helps to loosen the piriformis muscle and increases its flexibility. Increased piriformis flexibility reduces the pressure on the sciatic nerve underneath. It is important to stretch the piriformis because, while it is very small and deep, it runs directly over the sciatic nerve. Increased tension in this muscle will cause compression of the sciatic nerve (possibly all the way down the leg). Lie down on your back on the carpet or exercise mat. Bend both of your knees at a 90 degree angle and keep feet flat on the floor. Place the left ankle on top of the right leg's knee. Your legs should now form a figure four pattern. The outer side of the left ankle should rest comfortably on the right leg's front thigh. Grab the back of your right thigh and slowly pull your thigh forward. You should feel a stretch deep in the left butt muscle. This is the piriformis being stretched. Keep your butt on the ground the whole time and hold the position for 30 seconds. People older than 40 years old should hold the position for 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat two to three times per leg.