When a diagnosis of sciatica has been made, it's likely that your physician will suggest a program of sciatica exercises to relieve pain. Sciatica is a condition caused by sciatic nerve irritation and is generally felt from the lower back to beneath the knee. Your sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in your body, spreading the length of your lower body. A herniated disc frequently brings on sciatica as it creates pressure on the nerve. But symptoms of sciatica can arise whenever anything inflames or irritates this nerve. A few of the catalysts that frequently lead to this type of pain are injury, nerve irritation from adjacent bones, infection and internal bleeding. The two best ways to find out if you have sciatica are your medical history and a physical exam.

An expert in this area can provide suggestions for effective sciatica exercises to relieve pain. But before you engage in any exercise for sciatic nerve pain treatment you should consult a physical therapist or your doctor to establish where the pain is originating. Make sure to get your doctor's okay before attempting any of the exercises that follow.

One simple and yet very effective way to alleviate the symptoms of sciatica is by doing a back stretch. Start by lying down with your back to the ground, and lift both of your knees up to your chest. Then put your arms around your legs and press beneath the knees. This will result in a great lower back stretch. Remember not to overdo it, and keep your movements as smooth as possible.

Another fantastic way to ease the pain of sciatica is by doing a quad stretch. Lay flat on your tummy, and pull your right leg up to the behind. Take hold of this leg with your right hand and pull your foot as close as you comfortably can. Hold for a few seconds and then do the same thing with your opposite leg.

Another of the effective sciatica exercises to relieve pain is done by sitting on a flat surface and letting your palms support your body weight while in this position. Extend your legs in front of you and make sure your back is straight. Ease yourself back onto the ground and bend one of your legs until your knee is facing your chin. Place your hand on your bent leg and hold it towards you for a few seconds and then repeat the process with your other leg.

Stretches that make you twist your torso are generally helpful for sciatica too. Begin by placing yourself on a hard chair with a back that doesn't curve, leaving a small space between your knees as you sit. Twist your upper body at the waist to one side, hold the pose for ten seconds, and then twist your body to the other side and repeat.

While participating in sciatica exercises to relieve pain, remember to watch your posture. Take in deep breaths and remain calm and relaxed throughout the whole process. The right exercises, properly performed, are truly the best treatment for sciatica.