How Yoga Can Help With Sciatica

Sciatica, or nerve arthropathy, is a medical term for pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks, thighs and/or lower leg caused by compression of one or more of the large nerve roots. It can also cause abnormal sensations such as burning, tingling and shooting pains that travel down the leg.

What are the Symptoms of Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain that travels down the back of one’s leg from the lower spine to the foot. The pain is often described as a shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation, and can be very disabling. Sciatica may also cause numbness and tingling in the leg.

Yoga has been shown to be helpful for treating sciatica. According to a study published in the journal Yoga Research, yoga can improve pain relief and range of motion in people with sciatica. The study found that participants who did yoga showed greater improvement than those who received standard care, including medication and physiotherapy.

How Yoga Can Help With Sciatica Photo Gallery

The benefits of yoga may be due to several factors, including its ability to increase flexibility and range of motion in the hips and spine, as well as stress relief. In addition, yoga may help reduce inflammation in the back muscles and ligaments, which is thought to be responsible for many of the symptoms of sciatica.

If you are suffering from sciatica, consider trying yoga for relief.

Types of Yoga and Sciatica

If you are suffering from sciatica, there is a type of yoga that can help. Ashtanga yoga is a form of yoga that is based on the eight limbs of yoga. This form of yoga was designed to help with sciatica. The eight limbs of ashtanga yoga include:

Pranayama- Breathing exercises that help in controlling your breath and improving your circulation

Padmasana- One foot rests on the opposite thigh with the other leg extended in front of you, balancing yourself on your toes

Vinyasa- Flow between poses, always keeping your heart rate up

Ashtanga Hatha- A sequence of 26 poses, each one requiring focus and concentration

Mountain pose- Place one hand on a raised surface, like a chair or wall, with the other arm stretched out behind you

Sukhasana- Placed flat on your back with both feet resting on the floor in front of you

Ashtanga Yoga has been shown to be very effective for treating Sciatica.

How Yoga Helps Sciatica

There is no question that yoga can be helpful for people with sciatica. The physical and mental benefits of yoga can help to alleviate pain and improve function. In addition, the deep breathing exercises that are part of yoga can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. In some cases, yoga may even be able to completely resolve the symptoms of sciatica.