sciatica

Hello Esther

I have had sciatica ( in the left leg) on and off for the last year and now it has been very hard pain the last two weeks. Iam just 22 by the way I have realised that I have been doing compensational movements for the last somewhat years and that my right and left leg/side do not move the same. When I bent over to touch my toes. (I know I shouldn`t as I am not flexible enough to do it right. ) It feels like I have to role over my left hip. My buttom is diagonal than with a much higher right side.
I wonder: can you tell me what could be wrong with the symmetry in my posture? (different muscle flexibility, stiff joints, uneven heightened legs) I tend to believe it goes in correlation with my pain. I want to start working with your method this week as your book just arrived oversees. Do I have to be careful about anything considering my sciatica? How can I relive the pressure from the jammed nerve that`s causing it? dear thanks
Anna

There are many reasons for asymmetry - to get a diagnosis would require a visit to your doctor. However, regardless of the cause, the Gokhale Method techniques will very likely help with the sciatica and with some of the imbalances/asymmetries and their accompanying symptoms.

Do make sure you read the Orientation chapter before beginning the lessons (specifically, the blurb about what to do if you have a herniated disc on the bottom of page 28). Because you have sciatica and the pain has been very strong and you have imbalances, I would suggest following the order suggested there (especially since there is a chance you have a herniated disc). Focus on the lengthening techniques (chapters 1,2,5) before moving on to the techniques that involve reshaping the spine.

Also -- definitely do not bend over and round forward to touch your toes!! We discourage everyone from rounding, but you should be especially careful since you have severe sciatic pain.