Question
QUESTION: Hello. I am male 25yrs old. I am suffering from sciatica. I have been taking pain relief pills for the past two months and now I am trying to refrain from lifting and driving. Can you kindly suggest any excercises which can improve my condition and lessen the pain? perhaps suggest some video tutorials or sites? Thanks!!

ANSWER: Hi Paul- I'm not sure about exercises, though i'll look into it (i know one is to lay on stomach, with knee bent on bad side, slowly raise chest up until resting on elbows).

Beyond that you might consider steroid injection (which a doctor can advise you on)- it might fix your pain without all those daily pills

good luck
leslie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your advice.

Also what I forgot to tell you is that when I lean on my back and lift my leg I up in the air I cannot straighten my left leg as if something is preventing it from doing so. The right leg is fine. What could I possibly do? and what might be preventing it?

Thanks again

Answer
hey Paul- is that the same side you have the pain on? Nerves conduct information on sensation and instruction on movement- so the same problem that creates the pain can also potentially screw up movement.

a couple further possibilities to think about- try getting into a physical therapist, if you can. also, anything that strengthens the stomach muscles takes pressure off of your back

good luck!
leslie