Cobra Stretch and Sciatic Pain

[shrike718]

I have 0 problems doing the Cobra stretch (herniated lumbar disc with sciatic pain 1 year), but it doesn't seem to do a lot for me. I'm a pretty limber person and have always been that way. Is there a way I could tell if I'm doing the exercise right?

[shrike718]

specifically, it doesn't cause any pain when I'm doing it. Ive been at the exercises for about a week now and the pain is now in my lower back. I guess the plan is to just keep working on the exercises every 2 hours now?

[TBone]

Hey Shrike,

Does your sciatica go away or subside slightly as you do the cobra? If it does, then I think you're on the right track. From what I have read and experienced, it is a sign of progress that the pain has centered in your lower back.

TBone

[shrike718]

thanks for the response. The cobra stretch doesnt seem to do anything, the side bends seems to make the pain go away the most.

[Gaspode]

Hi, Pete from the Uk here. I have just reached the 12 month mark and been doing the exercises for 2 months. I too seem to get more relief from the side bends though the cobra does hurt even after this much time. I have tried some of the floor exercises in the advanced and they do seem to help. I have also set myself a goal to walk 20 mins 3 times a day. As far as the cobra goes the best way is to do the breathing exercises Dean explains in his book, do not hold your breath during the exercise. May also be worth trying gentle hamstring stretches DO NOT over do this like i did. I just wanted a quick fix but it just isnt going to happen that way. One day at a time is my motto now.

Pete

[shrike718]

Hi, Pete from the Uk here. I have just reached the 12 month mark and been doing the exercises for 2 months. I too seem to get more relief from the side bends though the cobra does hurt even after this much time. I have tried some of the floor exercises in the advanced and they do seem to help. I have also set myself a goal to walk 20 mins 3 times a day. As far as the cobra goes the best way is to do the breathing exercises Dean explains in his book, do not hold your breath during the exercise. May also be worth trying gentle hamstring stretches DO NOT over do this like i did. I just wanted a quick fix but it just isnt going to happen that way. One day at a time is my motto now.

Pete

thanks for the feedback, wish there was a quick fix too. freaking hard to get motivated to do this every 2 hours, i feel so much better after doing a routine though. I will give the breathing and hamstrings a try. I have a tough time doing that for sure.

[Gaspode]

Laughing a lot at your response. I know EXACTLY how you feel ! I have to keep telling myself I am doing this for me. Even so I only manage the basic exercises twice a day, i try and do as many strectches as i can remember during the day but i just dont seem to find the time! I have decided to be more disciplined now. But jeez its hard work especially when you get some replies back, it seems that I am the only one that has time or energy issues. Its got 4 more months and then I am seriously going to look into the operation. By the way discovered this yesterday which may or may not be of use. You know when you have been sitting for a while and then you get up and every thing is tight so you walk like a 90 year old, try crossing you sciatic leg over your good leg for a minute or so before taking off. I seem to be able to walk better, must be the stretch that does it. Also try the Squats, I am told that this helps, do 10 a day and hold for 1 minute.

Keep you fingers crossed, chin up and remember misery loves company so if you need to blast off have a moan or what ever drop a line. I know Dean likes it up beat but having spent 12 months keeping my chin up for the nearest and dearest at times i want to have a good old moan, no doubt others do too.

Cheers

Pete

[lisam]

Recent MRI results whow a broad based disc bulge central at L3-L-4 and disc osteophyte complex L3-4 with moderate neural foraminal narrowing.

Everything I have read indicates that extension is good for disc bulges but not for stenosis or narrowing.

After months of PT and a roller coaster ride of being pain free and then flare ups, I purchased Dr. Bookspan's books and am getting relief from the postural corrections outlined in her literature.

I have tried very mild cobra type stretches just prone on elbows and it seems I have a flare of the sciatica in my leg (burning no numbness).

I have been very active and am 53 years old. I run, swim, bike, walk and almost all activity has come to a hault and I'm very depressed.

I am also seeing a medical massage therapist and have been getting relief.

New to site. Thought someone might have a similiar story.