Dear Dr. Gott: I am 84 years old and suffered from sciatic pain
for more than two years nearly 25 years ago.
I had been referred to several doctors, and none could offer me a
diagnosis. I finally went to a chiropractor, who ordered X-rays and
diagnosed me with sciatica. Adjustments gave me temporary relief. I
was considering acupuncture as a next step because I was desperate
to find a solution, when I happened upon an article in my paper. It
was written by a physician (not you) who gave an exercise used to
reduce sciatic pain.
After reading the article, I tried the exercise. I started
feeling a little better within a few days, and I was pain-free after
two months. I continued to do it several times a day for three or
four years. When I was sure I was going to be OK, I stopped. The
exercise really works. I have been pain-free for 25 years now. I
only use it now when I start to feel the slightest twinge of back
pain.
I hope you print my letter because I know it will help others.
Here are the instructions as I read them 25 years ago.
Lay flat on your back on a firm surface. Stretch both arms above
your head and stretch your legs down as far as they will go. Next,
with one leg at a time, stretch your heel down and point your toes
backward toward your knee. Hold for a count of five, then relax.
Repeat with the other leg.
You will feel your spine stretch. This can be done a few times
with each leg before getting back up to go on with the day. It is
important to do the exercise throughout the day whenever you have a
chance because it takes time to stretch the muscles and put them
back in place.
Dear Reader: I am passing your letter on to my readers in the
hopes that this will help some of them. Sciatica and back pain in
general can be very troublesome and difficult to treat.
Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New
York, NY 10016.
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