Easy Hamstring Stretches to Alleviate Your Sciatica Symptoms

If you suffer from sciatica symptoms, you may have never considered that your tight hamstrings might be a contributing factor. But tight hamstrings place increased stress on your lower back—which in turn can aggravate your sciatic nerve. 

See What You Need to Know About Sciatica

Here are 2 easy hamstring stretches that may help alleviate your sciatica symptoms: 

See Stretching for Back Pain Relief

1. Supine Hamstring Stretch

The supine hamstring stretch is relatively simple, and it is gentle on your lower back. 

• Begin by lying flat on your back. 
• Next, bend your knees towards the ceiling—while keeping your feet flat on the ground.
• Draw one knee towards your chest, and place your hands below your knee to aid this process. 
• Extend your opposite leg out, and then repeat the entire process with your opposite leg. 

Watch Supine Hamstring Stretch (Towel Hamstring Stretch) for Sciatica Relief Video

2. Wall Hamstring Stretch 

The wall hamstring stretch is more advanced than the supine stretch, and should be avoided if you are in acute pain.

• Begin by lying flat on your back with your feet in front of a wall. 
• Raise your knee up on your stabilizing leg, then slowly raise the opposite leg straight up against the wall. 
• Try to achieve as close to a 90 degree angle as possible. If you are new to stretching, you can slightly bend your knee—and work your way up to 90 degrees over time. 
• Repeat the entire process with your opposite leg. 

Watch Wall Hamstring Stretch for Sciatica Relief Video

Additional Considerations 

If you are new to stretching, begin with holding each of the above stretches for 10 seconds. You can then slowly work your way up to 30 seconds.

See Hamstring Stretching Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief

Additionally, you can help remind yourself to perform the above hamstring stretches by tying your stretching to a daily activity. For example, every time you brush your teeth you can perform the above two stretches. 

See Sciatica Causes and Exercises

Before starting any exercise program, make sure you first get the thumbs up from your doctor—you don’t want to risk further aggravating the underlying cause of your sciatica symptoms.

See Specific Exercise Strategies

Call ABChiropractic Family & Wellness, your St Charles Chiropractic Headquarters for fast pain relief and wellness for the whole family.  636-916-0660.  We would love to help!