– in this case the calves. This may be the most likely cause if the nerve is stuck in the lower back as the problem is affecting both sides. If this seems to fit the bill, then stretching the sciatic nerve will help. The third option is less common

minutes, and despite a recent search of the literature, there doesn’t appear to be any evidence to support this idea. Indeed, it may be argued that holding a stretch for so long may actually precondition nerves (which is a bad thing) and lead to muscle

running at higher speeds. If this is the case, you can get symptoms similar to yours from the extra pressure on the nerves, which stronger muscles would normally protect.The answer in these cases is to perform stretches for the nerves. Try this stretch

misfit at the joints after the birth. However, in the case of your Caesarean section, this final stretch is avoided. From the symptoms that you describe, it seems likely that tension in the sciatic nerve has a role in producing your pain. A chartered

for prolonged periods aggravates your pain. This is known to increase the pressure on the back. Raise these points with a chartered physiotherapist, and if indeed it proves to be nerve- or back-related, they will show you nerve stretches and establish why

to contract properly) and also mobility exercises for the spine. In addition, you need a full stretching programme for the muscles and nerves that relate to your hips and spine.—Martin Haines, chartered physiotherapist and sports injury specialist

Q I’ve been running for just over a year and have recently started entering races. The thing is that as soon as I stand on the start line, I’m always overcome with nerves. I feel queasy and my legs shake, and I’m sure this is affecting my race

. She explains what this revealed: “A spondylolithesis [a slipped disc] was putting pressure on the nerves in the base of the spine. She may have had this condition from a very young age and not known about it until running started to irritate the area

of those people with naturally poor circulation – so extremities such as your feet can suffer.Parasthesia can also be caused by a ‘trapped’ or restricted nerve in the foot. In turn this might be connected to a minor biomechanical imbalance in the foot

continuing to run are good. Mobilising, strengthening and re- educating your back, as well as stretching any tight nerves, is often enough to deal with this type of problem.A leg-length discrepancy causes a spinal tilt to compensate for one side of the pelvis