The Sciatic Nerve is actually three nerve endings that exit the base of your spinal column, then travel across your buttocks and down the backs of your legs. Along this path your Sciatic Nerve passes through several thick muscles. When these thick muscles, like your Hamstrings or Piriformis Muscle tighten up, they can swell and press on the nerve which is very painful. But don't worry - you can sit in comfort. Here's how:
Find a chair with a straight back. If you are slouching, it will cause more pressure on your Sciatic Nerve and the pain will continue to get worse. You need …show more content…
Sit on the edge of the chair so that your feet can remain flat on the floor and you can lengthen your spine all the way up through your neck.
Place your hands on your thighs and lean forward in the chair with a flat back (no slouching). Breathe deeply for at least two minutes in this stretch. If your muscles are really tense and tight, this will be enough movement for you and you'll feel those muscles stretching.
·If you are a little more flexible and want a deeper stretch, simply place your right ankle on your left thigh. This may be enough of a stretch for you, or, if you're comfortable, you can lean forward a little with a flat back to feel and even deeper stretch.
The idea here is to stretch all of those thick muscles around the Sciatic Nerve, taking some of the pressure off. This relieves some of the pain so that you can sit comfortably for longer periods of time. If you have to sit all day, you can stop and do this little stretch several times throughout the day and it will make you feel better. Also take as many breaks as possible to get up and walk around. And remember - slouching makes it worse, so sit tall. Breathing deeply also helps to send fresh oxygenated blood throughout your body, so don't forget to