Sciatica most often describes symptoms that originate from the low back (lumbar spine) and radiate down the back of the leg. In more mild cases, pain, numbness and/or tingling sensations may only travel to the buttock and back of the thigh. As neural irritation increases, pain may then pass the knee and radiate into the calf, shin and foot.

When working to improve symptoms associated with sciatica, exercise should have the primary goal of decreasing neural irritation. When neural symptoms improve, pain will begin to leave the leg and move closer to the spine. This is referred to as the centralization phenomenon. On the flip side, if symptoms travel farther down the leg (peripheralization), then efforts should be made to identify activities that are worsening one’s state and modified appropriately.

Found in this program are several exercises that are often helpful for encouraging centralization, decreasing neural sensitivity and pain and improving overall function.