Hey all,

In the past couple of years, i've been having some real pain in my deep lower back on the right side behind my hip. I'm beginning to think it's my Sciatic nerve as it gets worse when I bend at the hips and sit, especially when sitting on the floor. OUCH! There seems to be pressure on that nerve and it's painful every day. In addition, or maybe because of this, I have noticed that in that same period of time, my hamstrings are really getting tight. I'm so used to keeping my knees soft that I'm almost to the point now whre I canNOT lock my knees back even if I wanted to. Touch my toes with flat knees? No way. I'm really pretty flexible everywhere else, so I'm just dumbfounded as to why this is happening.

Any ideas? Are these two things connected? Any suggestions as to how to alleviate either, or maybe both? Any suggestions at all are greatly appreciated!

BB!
~Jeannie
posted by:
  • Re: Hamstrings and the Sciatic nerve? x-post

    Thu, April 17, 2008 - 6:07 AM
    As Anthea said, stretching can solve a lot of problems. Also, many back problems are a result of weak abdominal muscles so have a good ab routine that you do daily could also make a difference.

    That being said, if you are really concerned it might make more sense to check with you doctor or chiropractor regarding a chronic pain situation. Some things can be fixed very easily when caught early enough.

    Good luck!
  • Re: Hamstrings and the Sciatic nerve? x-post

    Thu, April 17, 2008 - 7:21 AM
    Those are my weak points too.
    Be very careful to avoid the muscle tissue around the nerve going into spasms. THAT hurts!

    I suggest - Ice and heat along with Motrin when you feel it flare. Ice helps the tissue keep from swelling. Heat brings blood flow into the area for healing. Alternate each 20 min on - with a rest between. A friend gave me a few Flexeril (sp?) and I take half when I know its going into spasm. It relaxes the muscle and avoids much pain. Usually happens with yard work and not dance now. Rake the lawn?! ... no way.. not anymore!
    Stretch lots! Yoga is great.
    Water - water - water ! Banana before shows. Be sure to warm up and cool down even if your show or dance sessions are short.
    Check the hip posture and your form. I had to rotate my pelvis under to keep the back unlocked. Its not always in the knees! Get off your toes and root more into the floor from the balls of the feet. Most people who go to the toes with bent knees will compensate balance by tossing the hips a bit more fwd than normal. Go to the ground to take any weight changes in the balls of the feet. Grounded, it keeps the hips solid, keep the hips solid and your back is out of the movement loop. This way, you can be direct center through the core.
    Play a whole lot with your postures and a mirror. Find a new happy spot that protects the back! Most will think they are doing it right since that's they way they have done it for years, however, as our bodies change, postures need to be re-evaluated and/or strengthened constantly.
    For the hamstrings - Im still trying to figure out what triggers that problem in me. The most obvious has been lacking water on a hot day with a few shows. I try to drink loads but perhaps I dont do enough salt with it. Cant do any of the Athletic drinks due to the sugars, sweetners and other goodies added. They wack me more than anything!
    Good luck!
  • Re: Hamstrings and the Sciatic nerve? x-post

    Tue, April 22, 2008 - 4:56 AM
    Thank you to everyone who offered advice! I cross-posted this and got some GREAT responses and ideas. :)

    Thank you!
    ~Jeannie
    • Re: Hamstrings and the Sciatic nerve? x-post

      Thu, April 24, 2008 - 5:47 PM
      As I read your post it sounded like the exact same things I have gone through. Come to find out I have a herniated disk. I'm not saying that you have the same situation but it is definitely worth looking into because chiropractic can make it worse, I went down that road and it caused my bulging disk to become herniated...not fun. I had the MRI and the talk of surgery and all that stuff. After about 6 years of different chiros, surgeons and natural medicine I had a doctor tell me the magic word....HANG!! Either from your feet with inversion boots or just from your hands. Make sure you don't touch the ground, let yourself hand loosely for just 30 seconds or so at a time. Focus on lengthing your spine and stretching your muscles. I started out only a couple of times a day to every other day to once a week etc. I only hang now when I have worked out real hard and my back muscles are sore because that usually leads to problems within a week or two. Anyway....I have been pain free since December (that's when I learned the magic word). I tried the inversion boots but I couldn't find any that fit me real well and I couldn't let myself relax. I hang from my hands, anywhere that will allow me to hang straight down without touching or having to bend my knees, bending your knees engages your hamstrings thus defeating the purpose. You may be able to hang only 5-10 seconds at a time until your arm and back muscles strengthen but if you stick with it believe me, it is worth it!!
  • Re: Hamstrings and the Sciatic nerve? x-post

    Fri, April 25, 2008 - 6:01 AM
    Jeannie,
    Very often sciatic pain is due to spinal issues. It could be you tweaked something dancing. I recommend that you having your doctor check it out because, as the above posted mentioned, you don't want to let something serious like a disk go unnoticed. If you catch it early enough you can really make a difference with PT and exercise.

    I highly highly recommend, with your Dr's approval, that you look into some Yoga classes. It sounds like your are building some nice strong muscles in your legs, but flexibility as a dancer is extremely important. You will feel much better! :)

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