A Stretch That Will Rid You Of Sciatica, Hip & Lower Back Pain

Aug 15, 2019BJJEEArticles

Every jiu-jiteiro has their hips and back encumbered. The only thing that varies is the level of chronic pain and where it’s localized. But good stretching can preempt that and even help in existing cases of sciatica, hip and lower back pain.

The pain from lower back spreading downwards to the limbs and feet can often be alleviated by a deep piriformis stretch – a stretch that releases tight priformis muscles and releaxes the sciatica nerve.

The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock (behind the gluteus maximus). The piriformis muscle: Starts at the lower spine and connects to the upper surface of each femur (thighbone) Functions to assist in rotating the hip and turning the leg and foot outward.

The sciatic nerve passes underneath this muscle en route to posterior thigh. In some people it even passes right through the muscle leading to the sciatica symptoms caused by piriformis syndrome.

Lower back pain caused by an impinged piriformis accounts for roughly 8 % of those experiencing back pains. And all of this can affect the adjacent sciatic nerve.

When it comes to piriformis and alleviating pain it’s best to perform light gentle stretches without pain and with warm up prior to stretching.

There are a lot of piriformis stretches – all great for dealing with pain and triggered sciatic nerve.

livelovefruit.com recommends these 3 stretches:

1. Supine Piriformis Stretch

1. Lie on your back with your legs flat.
2. Pull the affected leg toward the chest, holding the knee with the hand on the same side of the body and grabbing the ankle with the other hand.
3. Pull the knee towards the opposite shoulder until stretch is felt.
4. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly return to starting position.

There are many variations of this stretch, but here is a good video to demonstrate:

2. Standing Piriformis Stretch

1. If you have trouble balancing, stand with your back against a wall, and walk your feet forward 24 inches. Position your knees over your ankles, then lower your hips 45 degrees toward the floor.
2. Lift your right foot off the ground and place the outside of your right ankle on your left knee.
3. Lean forward and lower your chest toward your knees while keeping your back straight. 4. Stop when you feel the glute stretch. 5. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then switch legs and do the same.

3. Outer Hip Piriformis Stretch

1. Lie on your back and bend the right knee.
2. Use the left hand to pull the knee over to the left side. Keep your back on the ground, and as you do so, you should feel the stretch in the hip and buttocks.
3. Hold for 20-30 seconds, and repeat on the other side.