What is Nerve Flossing? Is It Dangerous For Sciatica?

September 26, 2024

With the shift in trends, a sedentary lifestyle has become a new norm that raises numerous issues among which, sciatica is a prominent one.

It is a condition that affects about 40% of people at some point in their lives and affects their ability to perform even basic tasks like walking or running.

If the case worsens, surgery is the last option but people have always been in outlook for the invasive methods of treating sciatica. Nerve flossing, also known as neural gliding is a non-invasive treatment option for nerve-related pain and has gained popularity in treating sciatica.

A meta-analysis published in the Research Gate also confirms the effectiveness of the Nerve Flossing Technique (NFT) in the management of acute sciatica.

So, if you are someone who is struggling with sciatica, give this article a read to get comprehensive information on whether nerve flossing is safe or dangerous for sciatica and how it works in treating the condition.

What is Nerve Flossing?

When it comes to sciatica, the horror of surgery always pressurizes the sufferers but thanks to nerve flossing, a less threatening alternative is available. If this exercise is practiced timely, there’s a high chance of completely getting rid of sciatica, apparently ditching the surgery. But what exactly is it?

In simple terms, nerve flossing, also referred to as neural gliding exercise is a set of exercises that allows the smooth and free gliding of the peripheral nerves by stretching them.

How Does It Work?

Nerve flossing not only has use cases in treating sciatica but is also used for treating other lower back-related issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, etc. Here’s a quick overview of each:

Sciatica: In sciatica, the sciatic nerve can become compressed or irritated which leads to pain that radiates down the leg. Nerve flossing exercise gently stretches and mobilizes that nerve to ease the tension and make you feel comfortable.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist that leaves you with pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Nerve flossing exercise has shown significant results in 4 trials in improving carpal tunnel syndrome.
Muscle Strains: When you strain a muscle, nearby nerves can become tight or irritated and cause discomfort or restricted movement. Physiotherapists often suggest nerve flossing in such cases as it relieves the tension in the surrounding tissues and speeds up the healing.

How Does Nerve Flossing Help With Sciatica?

Underlying Cause of Sciatic Pain

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body that extends from the lower back down through the buttocks and into each leg. It plays a crucial role in transmitting signals to and from the legs and allows smooth movement.

However, this nerve can be compressed or irritated, resulting in a condition known as sciatica.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, common causes include herniated discs, where the soft inner material of a disc bulges and presses against the nerve, and spinal stenosis, which involves a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.

Another contributing factor is piriformis syndrome, where the piriformis muscle in the buttocks spasms and irritates the sciatic nerve. Injuries or trauma to the lower back can also cause swelling or structural changes that affect the nerve.

Apart from these medical conditions, you also have a direct contribution in developing sciatica as poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and lack of exercise can lead to muscle imbalances and tension which irritates the sciatic nerve.

The Role of Nerve Flossing In Treating Sciatic Pain

Nerve flossing is a proven gentle technique that can work wonders for easing pain and discomfort associated with the sciatic nerve. Think of it as giving your nerves a little stretch and glide!

Research in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy gives comprehensive information about its mechanism. According to that, this method involves specific movements designed to help the sciatic nerve move smoothly through its surrounding tissues, which can be incredibly helpful when it’s feeling tight or compressed.

Plus, nerve flossing isn’t just about pain relief; it also helps improve communication between your brain and muscles. This improved coordination makes it easier to get off the bed and move with a bit of ease.

Benefits

Nerve flossing offers several key benefits that can significantly make you feel better in a few attempts. Some of the benefits are:

Reduced Nerve Inflammation: Nerve flossing can help decrease inflammation in the affected areas by promoting the smooth movement of nerves, giving you quick relief from the pain.
Improved Flexibility: Regularly practicing nerve flossing exercises can enhance the flexibility of the nerves and surrounding tissues making it easier to move and reducing stiffness.
Decreased Pain: Many people experience a noticeable reduction in pain associated with nerve compression or irritation. Nerve flossing encourages better blood flow and reduces pressure on the nerves.

Is Nerve Flossing Safe for Sciatica?

General Safety of Nerve Flossing Exercises for Most People

Nerve flossing is generally considered safe for most individuals, especially when performed correctly. Even research published in African Journal Online claims that it’s not only harmless but is effective in treating acute sciatica.

When It Can Be Dangerous?

However, there are certain situations where nerve flossing might not be advisable.

Incorrect form
Acute inflammation or severe pain
Pre-existing conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis
If you feel unbearable pain or discomfort while doing nerve flossing

Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional

The phrase “A half-knowledgeable practitioner is a danger to life” holds true when it comes to health. So, before starting nerve flossing exercises for sciatica, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

A qualified provider can assess your specific condition, offer personalized advice, and then recommend whether the nerve flossing is a safe option for you or not.

Common Questions About Nerve Flossing for Sciatica

Q1: How do I perform nerve flossing exercises for sciatica?

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1.) Lie right down on your back and take your hands behind your knee.

2.) Pull the foot back and lift the leg while making sure that the side part of the femur stays straight until you feel some tension in the back of your leg.

(Source credited to Youtube video )

3.) Back off from there about a half inch and then pump the foot five times while the femur bone stays in its position.

4.) Pump back and forth and let the leg down.

5.) Now, pull the toes towards your nose and keep it pulled as you straighten the leg once you get to the point of maximum tension.

Learn More: https://youtu.be/tr88uGR5w80?si=l8wx18bFzK8BV54b

6.) Let off a little bit and then pump the ankle back and forth.

7.) Don’t overdo it by stretching too much as too much tension in the sciatic nerve will cause you more pain.

Q2: How often should I do nerve flossing exercises?

It is recommended by health professionals to do nerve flossing once or twice a day.

Q3: How long does it take to see results from nerve flossing?

It typically takes six to eight weeks to see results from nerve flossing.

Q4: Can nerve flossing make sciatica worse?

Nerve flossing worsens sciatica if you are doing it without any guidance or too aggressively. The best practice is to listen to your body and whenever you feel immense discomfort or pain, take a break.

Q5: When Should You Avoid Nerve Flossing?

There are certain situations where nerve flossing might not be advisable.

Incorrect form
Acute inflammation or severe pain
Pre-existing conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis
If you feel unbearable pain or discomfort while doing nerve flossing

Sources

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