When the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed it presents with pain down the back of one leg and possibly muscle weakness of the lower extremity. These cluster of symptoms can be described as sciatica. The lumbar spine and sacrum is where the sciatic nerve originates and it travels down through the buttock and down between the hamstrings to the feet. It can be compressed or irritated anywhere along the length of the nerve.
Causes of Sciatica:
- Disc herniaiton
- Latereal recess stenosis
- Degenerative disc diseases
- Spondylolisthesis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Soft tissues adhesions
The sciatic never develops tension when the nerve is compressed or irritated. To help alleviate this tension, nerve flossing is common technique to help the nerve regain the ability to slide back and forth without provoking symptoms.
However, in some cases nerve flossing may make your sciatic symptoms worse. I recommend performing 1 set of 8 reps to determine if the technique is suitable for your condition. If your symptoms worsen, do not use sciatic nerve flossing as rehabilitation exercises
Dr. Brandon Parnham, DC 