Are you looking for relief from sciatica? If so, you are not alone. Unfortunately, many look for that relief in a bottle of pain medication. While this may disguise the symptoms temporarily, the pain is still there, waiting for the medication to wear off. Is there a better way?

Upper cervical chiropractors have been trained to treat sciatica at its source. Often, sciatica occurs due to a longstanding misalignment in the upper neck. As the rest of the spine shifts to compensate, pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve. Realignment can help the body to heal.

In the meantime, you may be able to do some stretching exercises to relieve the pain. Consider some of the following techniques, and don't forget to talk to your upper cervical chiropractor before beginning a new exercise or stretch routine.

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Stretches that Help Sciatica

• Lie on the floor and cross the ankle of the leg with pain over the other knee. Then place both hands behind the knee and pull the legs toward your chest.
• Cross your leg from the side with pain over the other while laying on your back. This time, you want the sole of your foot to touch the floor. Reach out to the knee on the injured leg and pull it toward you.
• Lie on your back. Pull just the knee from your injured side toward your chest. Using the other hand, pull the ankle (gently) toward the other thigh.

Why Stretch?

Holding stretches like these for about 30 seconds each and performing three sets per day will help to relax the muscles. This will often reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. It also increases blood flow. As a result, healing can take place more quickly, and you may experience a great range of motion. Don?t forget to get an examination from an upper cervical chiropractor to determine if an adjustment can help your body to heal even faster.

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gottlieb, call 916-655-0569, or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.