“Some people with sciatica related to a disc bulge find symptomatic relief through back bend exercises,” O’Leary explains. “This version is very gentle – stick to the first variation in the video, ignoring the second one. If lying on your front is too painful, then this may not be suitable for you. You should feel better for doing this exercise – if your leg pain symptoms increase whilst doing the exercise do not continue.”

Lie on your front with your hands palm down underneath your shoulders.
Hover your face just above the floor.
Lift your gaze towards the wall in front. Your head and breastbone should start to lift away from the floor.
Visualise drawing your elbows back to the hips to help with lifting the chest. Your front lower ribs should stay on the floor.
Repeat this movement.

3 sciatica stretches and exercises to help relieve nerve pain and promote mobility