Irritation of the sciatic nerve causes sciatic pain. The pain typically starts from the lower back and goes down to the knee. Usually, sciatica affects only one buttock and leg: it is rare that both legs experience pain. This pain is usually constant and may come with weakness and numbness in the affected areas. A typical treatment program for sciatica involves stretching, aerobic conditioning, and lower body strength training.
Stretches are good for sciatica. One stretch that may help relieve sciatic pain is the figure 4 stretch:
Another stretch that may help is the basic seated stretch:
Sciatica pain may be constant, but it can flare up and go away as well. There are physical therapy programs available to help alleviate and treat it.