Healing vs. Medicating Your Pain 

There's good news! You don't need to live with the pain of Sciatica. You can take medication, but that will only cover the symptoms and won't focus on the core issue. That may help you feel better in the short term, but your pain will come back and more permanent problems may follow. 

It's important an upper cervical specialist evaluate your condition, so they can work with you to help you live a healthier life. That means it's also important for you to partner with your NUCCA chiropractor to help you regain full mobility.

We listed some exercises you can do at home, which may help. Though, please note, that it is important that you consult with your NUCCA specialist before you do any of these exercises: 

Sciatica Stretches

  • Lay flat on your back, pull the knee of your injured leg toward your chest with the corresponding hand, and gently pull your ankle toward the opposite thigh with your opposite hand. Hold it for 30 seconds, and then slowly bring it back to a resting position.
  • Lay flat on your back, cross the injured leg over your other leg, so the sole of the foot of the injured leg is flat on the ground. Pull the knee of the injured leg, which should be bent over the other leg, straight toward you with your hands.
  • Lay flat on the floor, pull both knees toward your chest, so the injured leg is crossed over your other leg. Place both of your hands behind the knee of the uninjured leg, and pull both legs toward you until the stretch is felt. 

All three of these stretches should be held for 30 seconds and then you should return your legs to a resting position, Make sure to do three sets, once a day. This will warm up your muscles and minimize the pain caused by your Sciatica. Stretching also increases your range of motion, lubricates your joints, and delivers nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.

There are other exercises you can do to reduce Sciatica pain. Though, it is important to consult an upper cervical specialist, so they can place you on a plan for your Sciatica.

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Dr. Dan Spinato of the San Diego Integrative Spine Center in San Diego, California is a Rancho Penasquitos Chiropractor and an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). Over the past 30 years, Dr. Spinato has helped many people find natural relief in San Diego, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Poway, Scripps Ranch and Rancho Bernardo. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraine headaches, chronic neck and back pain, fibromyalgia, allergy and sinus problems and temporomandibular joint disorders. More information can be found on his website at http://www.sdispinecenter.com.