04/05/2026
1. Initial Goals
When a patient has nerve root compression (like L4-L5):
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve nerve mobility
Restore normal posture and movement
Strengthen supporting muscles
Prevent recurrence
2. Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Measures
Modalities:
Heat therapy: relaxes muscles (chronic stage)
Cold therapy: reduces acute inflammation
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): for pain modulation
Ultrasound therapy: can help with deep tissue inflammation
Positioning:
Avoid positions that increase nerve compression
Inrolanned cittina fariard handina if dice-related for comfort
3. Nerve Mobilization (Neural Glides)
Purpose: helps the nerve glide smoothly through surrounding tissues to reduce tension
Examples for L4-L5:
Sciatic nerve glide
Slump stretch
Straight leg raise with ankle dorsiflexion (gentle, within pain limits)
Important: Movements should be pain-free or minimally uncomfortable, never sharp shooting pain.
4. Flexibility and Stretching
Hamstring stretches: tight hamstrings can increase sciatic tension
Piriformis stretch: if sciatic irritation is involved
Hip flexor stretches: relieve anterior pelvic tilt and reduce lumbar stress
Gentle lumbar mobility exercises: cat-cow, pelvic tilts
5. Core and Lumbar Stabilization
Strengthening deep core muscles supports the lumbar spine and reduces nerve compression:
