Sciatica, or sciatic neuralgia, causes sharp pain in the buttocks and upper thighs due to factors like poor posture, weak core muscles, heavy lifting, inactivity, or prolonged sitting. For quick relief, lie on your back and place both legs on a chair, ensuring your thighs and calves form a 90-degree angle. Hold until symptoms ease.
Lower back pain, often mistaken for kidney issues, stems from lumbar irritation causing a throbbing ache. A simple physical therapy favorite: Start on all fours. Exhale deeply as you sit back toward your heels, lowering your shoulders toward the floor. Hold through the exhale, then inhale back to start. Repeat as needed for relief.
Prevent future back pain by building back muscle strength with these evidence-based moves. Lie face down, arms at sides, legs together. Lift your chin and upper chest, holding for 10 seconds; repeat 5 times. Then, extend arms forward: Raise one arm and opposite leg, hold 30 seconds, switch sides. Repeat full set 5 times. Do 2-3 times weekly for best results.
