That tingly, numb, or painful feeling in your leg, butt, and lower back is definitely something to be concerned about.
It's the large sciatic nerve in the back of your leg that is the problem.
My grandmother used to suffer from this pain for years, and some days she was in so much pain she couldn't do her day-to-day activities.
Sciatica pain is likely caused by a herniated disc, pinched nerve, degenerative disc disease, or a narrowing of your spinal canal.
You've probably talked about this with your doctor more times than you can count, so what can be done about it?
There are dozens of yoga or stretching poses that you can do to ease the pain, but the best way to give yourself relief without having to spend hundreds of dollars is by making the most out of a common household item.
A tennis ball really digs deep to massage your muscles and relieve muscle tension and rigidity.
When your muscles feel more relaxed, blood will flow more freely, delivering essential nutrients to the affected area.
According to Complete Guidelines of Body Pain, there are a few simple steps you should follow to relieve your sciatica pain.
First, lie down on a tennis ball and roll over towards the position of your sciatic nerve, which travels up your leg.
You'll want the ball to roll up and down the affected area.
Make sure you're using a moderate amount of force, compressing an area for 15 to 20 seconds before moving to the next.
Keep in mind, you can use more than one tennis ball, depending on your pain level.
If your whole leg hurts, it's a good idea to put more tennis balls under your leg for added pressure.
Second, hold the ball in your hand and roll it over the front of your body, from the neck to your hip.
If you're experiencing an intense pain, adjust the balls or stop the motion. You may further damage your muscles or nerves if you're not doing it right.
Remember to talk to your doctor if you plan on adding this to your daily routine.
