When it comes to caring for a senior loved one, family caregivers have a lot to do. One of the most helpful tasks is to help seniors with physical comfort and pain management. When seniors suffer from sciatica or other sciatic nerve pain, family caregivers can assist them in doing some stretches to relieve the irritation and pain associated with the condition.
Certain stretches are designed to reduce the pinching or the compression of the sciatic nerve and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and hips. Of course, family caregivers and elderly loved ones should always check with a doctor or physical therapist before doing any type of stretching or exercise.
Here are a few stretches that may help relieve some of the pain that elderly loved ones may feel as a result of sciatic nerve pain. These stretches can even be done in bed or on a wider sofa so that seniors don’t have to struggle with getting up and down to the floor.
Knee to Shoulder
Ask the elderly person to lay flat on their back. Lift their right leg up and help them grasp their hands behind the knee. Working together, gently pull the right knee across the body toward the left. Hold this for 30 seconds, then release the stretch. Do this three to five times, then repeat with the other leg.
Body Ball
Ask the elderly person to lay flat on their back. Help them lift their knees up close to the chest. Assist them in wrapping their arms around their knees, like a hug. Make sure the lower back is rounded. Hold this for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat three to five more times.
Forward Extensions
Ask the elderly person to lay face down. Help them position their hands flat, near their shoulders. With assistance, the elderly loved one should lift their upper body, using their hands and arms and supporting their weight on the elbows and forearms. The hips and legs should still be flat on the bed. The back should arch and the lower arms should be flat on the bed. Lifting the chin should help seniors feel the stretching in the lower back and spine.
Pelvic Tilt
Ask the elderly person to lay flat on their back, with their hands behind their head. Help them position their feet flat on the bed, with knees bent. Pressing on the back and feet, help them tilt the hips up and back down again. This should help bring relief for their sciatic nerve pain.
Of course, stretches like this should be incorporated as part of a comprehensive elderly care plan to deal with sciatic nerve pain. Other treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, steroid shots, professional physical therapy and even visits to the chiropractor. With the help of dedicated family caregivers and doctors, they can work together to help the elderly person manage the pain and minimize the effects of the condition. Home
Source:
http://www.prevention.com/fitness/sciatica-stretches-you-can-do-bed
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME ELDERLY CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.