Does Nerve Flossing Help Sciatica?

Are Nerve Flossing Exercises Helpful for Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower back, buttock, and leg. It occurs when the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and thickest nerve in the body, is compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, bone spur, tumor, or other condition. Sciatica can affect the ability to walk, sit, stand, and perform daily activities. It can also reduce quality of life and wellbeing.

One of the treatments that may relieve sciatica symptoms is nerve flossing, which is a type of gentle exercise that stretches and mobilizes the sciatic nerve. Nerve flossing may work best when combined with other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or surgery. This article will explain what nerve flossing is, how it works, and how to do it safely and effectively for sciatica.

Nerve Flossing Defined

Nerve flossing is a technique that involves moving the nerve back and forth through its path. It is also called nerve gliding or neural gliding. The idea is to “floss” the nerve like dental floss to remove any adhesions or scar tissue that may be blocking or restricting its normal function. Nerve flossing can restore the nerve’s mobility and elasticity and prevent it from getting stuck or trapped.

Nerve flossing exercises are simple and easy to do at home. They usually require no equipment, except for a chair or a bed. They involve moving different parts of the body, such as the head, neck, spine, hip, knee, or ankle, in a specific sequence and direction. The movements should be smooth and controlled and should not cause pain or discomfort. The exercises should be done slowly and gradually and should be stopped if any symptoms worsen.

How Nerve Flossing Works for Sciatica

Nerve flossing works for sciatica by increasing blood circulation and boosting the oxygen supply to the sciatic nerve and the affected leg. It can also reduce the inflammation and swelling of the nerve and the surrounding tissues. This can ease the pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness caused by sciatica. Nerve flossing can also increase the range of motion and flexibility of the hip and leg, which can help with walking, sitting, standing, and performing daily activities.

Nerve flossing may not work for everyone, and it may not be suitable for some cases of sciatica. For example, nerve flossing may not be effective in the last stages of sciatica or when sciatica is caused by severe nerve compression or damage or by spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Nerve flossing may also be contraindicated for people with certain medical conditions, such as infections, tumors, fractures, or bleeding disorders. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting nerve flossing exercises for sciatica.

How to Do Nerve Flossing Exercises for Sciatica

There are different nerve flossing exercises for sciatica, depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression or irritation. Here are some examples: 

• Knee-to-chest stretch – Lie on your back with a flat cushion under your head. Bend your knees, keeping your feet in line with your hips. Hold one knee with both hands and bend toward your chest. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat three more times, alternating between your left and right leg.
• Hamstring stretch – Stand up straight and raise one leg onto a step or other stable surface. Keep your leg straight and toes pointing up. Lean forward while keeping your back straight. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the same with your other leg. Repeat three more times, alternating between your left and right leg.
• Mobilizing stretch – Lie on your back with a flat cushion under your head. Bend your knees, keeping your feet in line with your hips. Keep your chin tucked in. Bend one knee toward your chest. Support the back of your bent leg with both hands. Slowly straighten your leg, holding for 20 to 30 seconds. Try not to press your lower back into the floor. Return to the starting position. Do the same with your other leg. Repeat three more times, alternating between your left and right leg.
• Back extension – Lie on your chest with your elbows bent and your palms flat on the floor. Push with your hands to arch your back. Keep your hips on the floor and your neck straight. You will feel stretching in your abdominal muscles. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 10 times.
• Gluteal stretch – Lie on your back with a flat cushion under your head. Bend your left leg at the knee and rest your right foot on your left thigh. Hold your left thigh with both hands and pull it toward your chest. You will feel stretching in your right buttock. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Do the same with your other leg. Repeat three more times, alternating between your left and right leg.

By doing these nerve flossing exercises regularly and carefully, you may be able to reduce your sciatica symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, remember to always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program and to follow his or her instructions and advice.

If you have sciatica due to a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure,having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation.A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.