CBD for Sciatic Pain

Sciatica can be a real pain in the .

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, traveling from the spine down the back of the leg and into the foot.. Sciatic pain can occur while you are sitting, lying down or due to injury. The radiating pain originates in the lower back from pressure on the sciatic nerve and can run down one or both legs. Sciatica typically only affects one side of the body at a time and pain can be felt in the back, buttocks, hip, leg and/or foot. Someone having a sciatic flare may experience difficulty walking, leg numbness, muscle weakness, foot numbness, a burning sensation or pins and needles.

Mad Ritual Relief Rub, particularly our Alpine Spice and Eucalyptus+Peppermint blends, are perfect for addressing sciatic and lower back pain. Broad-spectrum CBD and warming essential oils come together to form an inflammation-fighting supergroup.

For mild pain:

Gentle stretching and movement that emphasizes good posture and range of motion are recommended. Apply relief rub prior to activity to address inflammation and swelling that is causing pressure on the sciatic nerve. 

For sharp, radiating or severe pain:

Apply relief rub and follow with cold therapy. Place an ice pack on the painful area for up to 20 minutes. As the relief rub's inflammation-fighting ingredients go to work, use these gentle stretches to realign and loosen the sciatic nerve.

Seated Piriformis Stretch

• Sit in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor.
• Lift your right leg and place your right ankle on your left knee.
• Gently press your right knee away from the body.
• If able, while keeping your back straight, slowly lean forward and gradually deepen the stretch you feel in your glutes and lower back. Continue to press your knee out away form the body.
• Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then switch legs.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

• Place your raised leg on a sturdy surface
• Keep your leg straight with toes pointed upwards
• Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your hamstring
• Hold stretch for 20-30 seconds
• Repeat with the other leg

Nerve Flossing 

• Lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Lift one ankle into the air, aligning ankle over hip. 
• Gently and slowly stretch the leg by pointing your toe to the ceiling and flexing the toes back towards the face.
• Repeat 20 times one one side and repeat with the other leg.

Knee-to-Chest Stretch

• Lie on your back and keep your feet flat on the floor with knees bent
• Draw one knee up to your chest while keeping the other foot flat on the floor
• Hold for up to 30 seconds. Be sure to keep your lower back flat on the floor.
• Repeat on the opposite side.
• Do 3-4 reps per side. 
• If you want a deeper stretch, keep one leg straight as you draw the other knee up to your chest

Glute Bridges 

• Tight glutes can apply pressure to the sciatic nerve.
• Glute bridges will help strengthen your muscles and ease sciatic pain.
• Lie on your back with feet shoulder-width apart and your hands palms down at your sides.
• Lift your hips, pressing through your heels, until your body is in a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
• Squeeze your glutes to open your tight hip flexors and release through the front line of the body.
• Tuck your hips ever so slightly to avoid arching your back
• Hold the pose for 15+ seconds, then bring your hips gradually back to the floor.
• Repeat for 2-3 sets (8 reps each set). 

Child Pose

• This move will help promote relaxation and relieve back pain
• Kneel on a soft surface and spread your knees apart while keeping feet touching at the big toes
• Straighten your spine and place your head on the floor
• Inhale and extend your arms straight out 
• Exhale and lean back moving your butt towards your heels
• Continue to inhale and stretch arms above your head

Address sciatic pain and minimize the chance of reoccurrence with Mad Ritual and our stretching guide for improved mobility.