How to Cure Extreme Pain & Weakness in the Leg From Sciatica

There is a 40 percent chance that you will experience sciatica, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery. There are numerous reasons why it can happen, including problems with the spine. Sciatica is actually a symptom of another condition. And there is no mistaking sciatica pain (aching, stinging, or burning) often traveling down one leg. Most likely, there will be weakness that causes you to walk and sit differently. And you may also have numbness and feel awkward sensations (parasthesia) like tingling or crawling on your leg. The good news is that this condition goes away eventually, according to the book "Sciatica Solutions."

Instructions

• 1

  To reduce pain immediately, get in the fetal position. Sitting and standing can cause excruciating pain and so can going from one to the other. Curling up is one of the most comfortable positions for sciatica sufferers. Lie on one side and curl your knees toward your chest. This move takes pressure off the spine and sciatic nerve, reducing pain. You can put a pillow between your knees for additional support and comfort.

• 2

  Soak in a warm bath. Drs. Loren M. Fishman and Carol Ardman, authors of "Sciatica Solutions," recommend that you dip your entire body in warm water up to your chin. The water's buoyancy counteracts the effects of gravity. The temperature (not too hot) soothes muscles and promotes general relaxation. Doing this for about 20 minutes, up to three times a week, is a good routine to keep pain at a minimum.

• 3

  Stretch in a chair. Place feet on the floor and forearms on your thighs, and bend forward. Palms need to be on your knees to start. Move forward slowly, sliding your arms so that they are doing the work of supporting your upper body. Hands will dangle toward the floor and the back should remain straight. Drs. Fishman and Ardman say that this move will stretch back and buttocks muscles without impacting the sciatic nerve.

• 4

  Strengthen your core (stomach and back) muscles. Strong stomach muscles are key to a healthy back. And since a weak low back contributes to sciatica, this is critical. And to eliminate the weakness in the affected leg, you must strengthen core muscles symmetrically. Doing just crunches may cause overcompensation in other areas. Try Pilates, yoga, core strengthening classes, or work with a personal trainer to set up a core routine.

• 5

  Correct your posture. Good posture means that the body is stacked (like building blocks) in a stable way. The head is aligned with the shoulders which are over the hips. The hips stack over the knees in line with the feet. And correct posture needs to be maintained during sitting, driving, and standing. Using a stability ball as a chair is a great way to retrain muscles to align properly while sitting. Practice yoga or work with a physical therapist to learn postural strengthening exercises.