By Dr. Rita Khanna

Yoga is one of the most effective forms of exercise for Sciatica related problems. As with any spinal injury, great caution is required when attempting any form of exercise, and this holds true for Yoga, as well. First, let us understand what Sciatica is. The sciatic nerve is the largest and longest nerve in the body. It starts from our spinal cord, in the lower back, and passes down through the hip, into the back area, of the lower leg to each foot.

The sciatic nerve controls the movement of many muscles in the thigh and leg, and also provides a means of sensory input to the brain. When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated and inflamed, it results in Sciatica. Patients with Sciatica may suffer from sharp pain through the lower spine, a stabbing sensation in the buttock, knee/ankle pain, or even numbness in the leg. This usually happens only on one side of the body.

COMMON CAUSES OF SCIATICA

There are many causes of sciatica, such as long sittings for desk jobs, pregnancy, dehydration, spinal degeneration, etc. Once you experience the symptoms of Sciatica, get evaluated by your physician to determine the cause. Some more common causes of Sciatica include Herniated Disc, Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, and Piriformis Syndrome.

HERNIATED DISK

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between them are soft disks filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. A herniated disk is a disk that slips out of place or ruptures. If it presses on a nerve, it can cause Back Pain or Sciatica. Herniated discs are the most common cause of Sciatica.

SPINAL STENOSIS

It is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves, which cause pain in the low back, as well as pain, or abnormal sensations, in the legs, thighs, feet, or buttocks – or loss of bladder and bowel control. This is usually due to common occurrence of spinal degeneration that occurs with aging.

PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME

The Piriformis muscle is one of the small muscles deep in the buttocks that rotates the leg outwards. It runs from the base of the spine and attaches to the thighbone (femur), roughly where the outside crease in your sit bones are. The Sciatic nerve runs very close to this muscle, and sometimes, even through it. If the muscle becomes tight, it can put pressure on the Sciatic nerve, causing irritation and inflammation.

YOGA POSES

Yoga Poses, that provide Sciatic pain relief, are those that open the hips, and also provide a gentle twist for the back.  Some Yoga poses for Sciatica, that are particularly effective and easy to do, are Supta Padangusthasana, its variations, Utthita Parsvakonasana, Ardha Chandrasana, Bharadvajasan, Salamba Sarvangasna, Setubandhasana, Shavasna and Adhomukha Shavasna.

Do all these Asanas under a qualified Yoga instructor, because each specific condition may warrant a distinct approach to Asana practice. Use props, such as a strap and bolster, if you need the extra support. If you do not have all these, then you can use a scarf or belt as a strap and a stack of blankets or towels as a bolster. The following are very simple stretching exercises to reduce the symptoms of Sciatica.

SOLES STRETCHING

 

 

 

 

 

Sit with legs outstretched, with the feet a little apart – place your hands on the floor to the sides & just behind the buttocks – keep the back straight – straighten the elbows and, now stretch the feet forward & backwards, as much as possible. Hold each position for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times.

SUKHASANA (SPINAL TWIST)

 

 

 

 

Sit in simple crossed-legged position, with the fingertips on the floor besides the hips. Place the palm of the left hand on the outer right thigh. Now inhale, press the right fingertips into the floor and stretch the spine upward. Exhale, press the left palm into the thigh and turn toward the right. Look over the right shoulder. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Come back and repeat on the other side. Change the cross of the legs. Do this 3- 5 times each side.

GOMUKH (ONLY SITTING POSITION)

 

 

 

 

Sit with legs outstretched in the front, cross the right leg over the left leg, and place the right heel by the side of the left hip. Fold your left leg in and bring the left heel by the side of the right hip. Try to keep the knees together – one above the other. Sit in this position for some time, with normal breathing, and then change the cross of the legs. If you are feeling good while doing it, then repeat 3-5 times each side.

MAKARASANA

 

 

 

 

Lie face down, on the abdomen on the floor, or on the bed. Keep your legs apart about 2 to 2 ½ feet, toes out to the sides; heels are in facing towards each other. (If it is not comfortable, then bring the legs slightly closer and the tips of the big toes should touch each other). Now form a pillow with the arms by crossing the arms (place your right hand on the left shoulder, left hand on the right shoulder).

Rest your forehead on your forearms. Keep the upper chest slightly lifted from the floor by adjusting the arms. Do breathing slowly, deeply, and consciously. As you breathe in, expand not only your abdomen but lower back and hips muscles, too. As you breathe out, feel total relaxation. Do this for 5 minutes, if possible.

MAKARASANA (HOLDING THE FACE)

 

 

 

 

Lie face down on the abdomen, keep both legs straight and slightly apart, raise the head up and rest the chin on the palms of the hands – with the elbows on the floor. Bring the elbows together and closer towards the body. Now from behind, bend alternate legs towards the hips with natural breathing for some time. Then do the same with both the legs by bringing the feet together.

SHITHILASANA (RIGHT SIDE)

 

 

 

 

 

Lie face down on the abdomen with the fingers locked under the head. Turn your head to the right side. You can adjust your arms if it is not comfortable. Then draw the right foot near the left knee and bring it closer to the right elbow. Place your left hand by your left side and your left leg straight. Do normal breathing as long as possible.

SHALBHASANA

 

 

 

 

 

Lie face down on the abdomen on the floor. Keep your leg straight. Bring your palms either under your thighs or by your sides. Rest the chin on the floor. Inhale, raise your right leg up, exhale, and bring it back very slowly. Repeat the same with the other leg. Do 3 times with each leg.

SHITHILASANA (LEFT SIDE)

Same exercise as mentioned above – now with the other side of the body.

VAJRASNA

 

 

 

 

 

Kneel on the floor. Let your right big toe overlap the left big toe, heels apart, sit down between the heels, knees together, hands on your thighs. Sit peacefully for 20 to 30 seconds with normal breathing.

SHASHANKASANA (POSITION VAJRASANA)

 

 

 

 

 

Inhale, raise your arms; while exhaling, bend down forward and place your arms, elbows, and forehead on the floor/ the block. Breathe normally for some time. Remain in this position for at least a minute. Allow your body and mind to relax.

SHASHANKASANA (VARIATION)

 

 

 

 

 

From Shashank pose, stretch the right leg out straight backward. Hold it for some time with normal breathing. Then come back and try to do the same with the other leg. Repeat 3 times each side. (If you do not feel comfortable, then stretch that leg out behind in which you do not feel pain).

CAT STRETCH (MARJARIASANA)

 

 

 

 

 

Sit in Vajrasana. Raise your body from your heels and stand on your knees. Lean forward and put your hands on the floor in front of you. Keep your knees and feet together. Inhale and raise your head up and stretch your neck backwards. Hold it for a while. Then exhale & look straight. Repeat it 4-5 times.

ADHOMUKHA SHAVASNA (POSITION VAJRASANA)

 

 

 

 

 

From cat stretch asana – lift the knees off the floor, forming a nice V shape with your legs. Hold the position for a few breaths. Make sure that your feet are in line with your hands and the same distance apart. Hold the position for a few breaths. Consciously stretch your legs & arms. Exhale and then rest your head on the block, if it is possible. Stay in this position for some time, with natural breathing then come back. Exhale and get into Vajrasana. Then rest in Shashankasana.

SHAVASANA

 

 

 

 

 

Lie down with the back on the Yoga mat. Keep your eyes closed. Arms are a little away from the body, with palms upward. Legs are apart about 3 to 4 inches. Keep the toes in the outer directions. Heels are facing towards each other. Keep the whole body relaxed, part by part, mentally. You can lie down in this condition as long as you desire.

MAKARASNA ON THE BACK

 

 

 

 

 

Lie down on your back, with legs straight and together. Bend the knees and bring the feet closer to your hips; keep your feet and knees together, and flat on the floor. Interlock your fingers below your head. Without lifting the elbows, inhale and start moving your head and knees in the opposite direction. Stretch the spine to the maximum. Come back to the center and exhale. Then do the same with the other side. Do this 5 times on each side.

SUPTA PADANGUSTHASANA & VARIATION

 

 

 

 

 

Lie on your back with the legs outstretched, soles of both feet touching the wall. Bend the right knee towards your chest. Place a Yoga strap around the ball of the right foot. Hold both ends of the belt with the right hand or with both the hands. Slowly start straightening the right leg up toward the ceiling until you feel comfortable.

Simultaneously keep pressing the sole of the left foot more firmly into the wall and the left thigh on the mat. Feel the stretch in your right calf. Initially, stay in this position for 20 -30 seconds. With practice, increase the time to 1 minute. Repeat the pose on the other side. Do this 3-5 times with each leg.

VARIATION

 

 

 

 

 

After you raise your right leg (step 1), exhale, then lower your leg with the right hand to the right, keeping it straight. Place your right foot on the block if you want. Keep your left arm sideways at your shoulder level. Pull on the belt so that you can feel the stretch in your leg. Press the left foot against the wall and the left thigh on the mat. Hold the pose for 20 – 30 seconds. Repeat the pose on the other side. Do this 3-5 times with each leg.

A FEW CAUTIONS

Before you start a Yoga practice, while suffering from sciatic pain, consult your health care provider and a qualified Yoga instructor; make sure you follow their advice diligently.

When performing the postures, be careful not to overstep your pain boundaries. If you experience pain, back off. You must find the program that best suits your body. Listen to your body.

Do not sit for long periods and avoid activities that worsen your pain, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc. When you do sit, always use a lumbar support. In most cases, extensive walking is also not advisable.

Be sure that you are adequately hydrating yourself with at least eight glasses of water each day.

The key to prevent sciatica is to prevent any damage to your lower spine. Maintain a good posture while sitting.

Finally, remember to continue with these poses long after the symptoms have disappeared.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: email hidden; JavaScript is required