Sciatic Pain 101

The psoas muscles affect your posture and your spine and it's often a contributing factor to sciatic pain. In this video we begin with working the psoas and then stretching it out. Read more about why it's the most important muscle here. https://www.drnorthrup.com/psoas-muscle-vital-muscle-body

These classes are for you if you have one or more of these conditions: - You have mild low back, neck and/or shoulder pain. -Mild arthritis, or you are stiff/sore and want a gradual approach to strengthening and stretching. -You're over 50.... -Suitable for individuals with hip or knee replacement. -We will be doing the exercises on the floor and in standing. - Option to play your own music in the background. All participants will be muted. See more

HERE'S WHY The spinal column is made up of building blocks of bones separated by discs that act as shock absorbers and spacers between the vertebrae (bones). A rounded back offers little or no support to the spinal column when lifting and that's often why, generally over time and through repetition, that we injure the spine - we're asking the spinal column to take on the load of lifting instead of engaging muscle meant to do the heavy lifting. ... The solution: Use proper body mechanics & engage the back and gluteal muscles: - take a wide stance, pull your abdomen in, fold at the hips, bend the knees, lead with the chest to come up, stiffen your back by pulling your shoulder blades down your back and use your buttock muscles. The idea of using your legs to lift is outdated and can harm the knees. (Dr. Stuart McGill) Use your glutes instead. The glutes or buttock muscles are the strongest and largest muscles in the body. Use them when lifting by contracting them.

HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR INNER CORE If you want to strengthen your inner core and are doing sit-ups or something similar, STOP. According to Dr. Stuart McGill, a back pain specialist who has worked with world athletes, there are 3 exercises we need to do to strengthen and maintain our inner core. ... If you have sciatica strengthening the inner core should be an important part of your recovery plan. Here is a must watch video with Dr. McGill on how to safely strengthen your inner core. https://youtu.be/zEvy5CCvNLA

How do you relieve nerve pain in the leg? A good way to start is to lengthen the spine. Read my article on how to do that here: https://www.innerjourney.ca/p/relieve-nerve-pain-in-the-leg