Posts Tagged ‘lower leg muscles’

Following any period of prolonged inactivity, gradually start regular low-impact exercise. Walking, swimming or cycling 30 minutes a day will increase muscle strength and flexibility. Pilates and Tai Chi can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Ask your chiropractor for a list of low-impact exercises designed to strengthen lower back and abdominal muscles.

Don’t slouch when standing or sitting. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet without most of your weight on your heels. Your back supports weight best when spinal curvatures are reduced.

Sit in a chair with good lumbar support and proper position and height for the task. Keep your chest up and don’t poke your head forward. Change sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office or gently stretch to relieve tension. Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

Sleep on your side or back to reduce excessive twisting in your spine. Ideally sleep on a fairly firm mattress.

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Sciatica is specifically nerve pain involving the posterior aspect of the thigh, calf or foot and which is caused by irritation or compression of  the sciatic nerve, the main nerve into the leg.  Pain may originate where the nerves pass through and emerge between the lower bones of the spine (lumbar vertebrae) or as the nerve passes through the Piriformis muscles in the pelvis.. There may be numbness and weakness of the lower leg muscles and loss of reflexes.

Click here to read more information about Sciatica.