Understanding Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve root pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. Treatment must address the root cause — not just the pain pathway.
Nerve Flossing (Neural Mobilization)
Nerve flossing gently slides the sciatic nerve through its surrounding soft tissue, reducing adhesions and calming irritation. This is performed in a specific oscillating pattern — never sustained stretching of the nerve.
McKenzie Extension Protocol
For disc-related sciatica, press-up extensions in prone lying help centralize the pain — moving it from the foot toward the lower back, which indicates the disc bulge is reducing.
Piriformis Stretches
Figure-4 stretching in lying position releases piriformis muscle spasm in cases of piriformis syndrome — a common sciatica mimic.
Exercises to Avoid
Toe touching, deep forward bending, seated hamstring stretches, and sit-up exercises all dramatically increase intradiscal pressure and can worsen sciatica significantly.