There’s no mistaking the shooting pain caused by sciatica. If you’ve had it, you KNOW.
Sciatica can affect anyone, but is most common in people between the ages 35–50 years old.
Sciatica is caused by a pinched sciatic nerve and causes severe pain in the back and posterior surface of the thigh.
The sciatic nerve is one of the largest and most important nerves in our body. It begins in the lower spine and goes down the thigh, the knee and the shin to the foot, with its branches reaching all the way to the toes.
Sciatica begins with discomfort and light pain in lumbosacral area, fatigue and ache in the legs. Gradually, the pain increases, and it can spread all over the posterior surface of the whole leg. Sciatica can be crippling when untreated.
Medical attendance may be necessary in early stages of sciatica to prevent the development of disease. But in the interim, you may experience relief with a simple stretch called the Butterfly Pose or Baddha Konasana.
The Butterfly pose, or Baddha Konasana, is considered by Yogis to be the most beneficial for women. It tonifies kidneys, treats urogenital conditions, prevents the development of spinal disc herniation and radiculitis. It also relieves labour, prevents varicosis, fortifies womb and urinary bladder.
Here’s what you do:
Sit down on the floor, stretch your legs in front of you.
- Bring your soles and heels together, move the heels as close to your pelvis as possible.
- Put your thighs down, touch the floor with your knees.
- Hold this position for 30–60 seconds. Breathe evenly. Gradually increase the time as you settle into the stretch.
Doing this exercise regularly will help alleviate sciatica pain and may prevent the condition from worsening.
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