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What are the Best Tips for Exercising with Sciatica?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Many people who experience pain associated with sciatica find it difficult to exercise due to the condition. Exercising with sciatica, however, can actually lead to an alleviation of sciatic pain when done properly and regularly. As with any other type of injury or regular pain, exercising with sciatica should be done slowly and within the limits of one's pain threshold, though the workout should get progressively more difficult after time. Remember that a regular stretching routine both before and after the workout routine is necessary to keep exercising with sciatica a feasible and pain-free option in one's life.

Sciatica is caused by compression on the sciatic nerve, which runs the length of both legs and into the hips and lower back. Compression can be caused by tight muscles or spinal compression due to injury, spinal deformities, or slipped discs. It is important to understand what causes sciatica before exercising with the condition, because some movements may exacerbate the problem rather than help it. Exercises that decompress the spine are likely to help alleviate sciatic pain, and inversion tables, when used correctly and carefully, are one way to prepare for exercising with sciatica.

An exercise ball can help a person perform core exercises that can help alleviate sciatica pain.
An exercise ball can help a person perform core exercises that can help alleviate sciatica pain.

Strengthening core muscles can help alleviate sciatic pain and prevent it from coming back in the future. A core workout will strengthen the abs, lower back, hips, and thighs. These muscles help support the spine, making a slipped disc less likely. An exercise ball is a great tool for strengthening core muscles, and a professional trainer at the local gym or fitness center can help a sufferer design a core strengthening plan that will help alleviate pain. Any core workout routine should be started slowly and with fewer repetitions to get the muscles used to the new stresses and strains of exercising, and if the sufferer has any injuries in the spine or lower back muscles, he or she should consult a doctor before undertaking any exercise routine.

If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.

Simple stretches can be done at home to prepare for exercising with sciatica. While sitting down at work, a sufferer can cross one leg over the knee of the other, and bend the upper body downward toward the crossed knee. This stretch targets the hamstrings and muscles in the buttocks, which are often the cause of sciatica in office workers who sit for long periods of time. Standing up and touching one's toes can also help stretch out the hamstrings and lower back. One should stand up and walk around for at least 15 minutes after every hour of sitting.

Discussion Comments

Perdido

@wavy58 – Wow, I can't imagine having sciatica pain that intense! I had issues with it one time, but that is all.

I started doing some exercises designed for sciatica sufferers, because I wanted to stop it in its tracks. I went from doing the simple ones to doing a major core workout.

I've developed my abdominal muscles to the point that I don't think I'm in danger of future sciatica pain. I will stick to this routine.

wavy58

My sister's doctor told her how to do some exercises for sciatica pain. She had been in so much pain that she couldn't even go to work, so she did have to stay on pain pills for awhile and rest before she could start the exercise plan.

I know that the exercises were gentle, because she could not tolerate intense exercise. She had to lie down with her back flat on the floor for some of them, and I believe most of them involved using her legs.

Today, she's much better. Sticking to the exercise routine has prevented bad flareups.

orangey03

Simply bending down and touching your toes is one of the best stretching exercises for sciatica! It helps relieve my discomfort, and I believe it keeps the muscles flexible enough to prevent pain in the future.

cloudel

I wish I had the option of getting up and walking around for fifteen minutes at work! We are so busy at our desks, and there's no time to spare.

The most I can do is walk to the bathroom and back. Then, it's back to work.

I suppose I will have to settle for doing stretching exercises for sciatica at my desk while sitting down. This is all I can get away with while on the clock.

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    • An exercise ball can help a person perform core exercises that can help alleviate sciatica pain.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      An exercise ball can help a person perform core exercises that can help alleviate sciatica pain.
    • If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
      By: rob3000
      If the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can cause pain and numbness down the leg.
    • Reverse crunches help work the lower abdominal muscles of the stomach, which can help stabilize the back.
      By: Shakzu
      Reverse crunches help work the lower abdominal muscles of the stomach, which can help stabilize the back.
    • Strengthening core muscles can help a person deal with sciatica.
      By: javy
      Strengthening core muscles can help a person deal with sciatica.
    • A physical therapist can recommend the best tips for exercising with sciatica.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A physical therapist can recommend the best tips for exercising with sciatica.
    • Chiropractic adjustments may help reduce symptoms of sciatica and make exercising easier.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Chiropractic adjustments may help reduce symptoms of sciatica and make exercising easier.
    • A doctor should be consulted before undertaking an exercise routine while suffering with sciatica.
      By: forestpath
      A doctor should be consulted before undertaking an exercise routine while suffering with sciatica.
    • Simple stretches can be done at home to prepare for exercising with sciatica.
      By: 夢見る詩人
      Simple stretches can be done at home to prepare for exercising with sciatica.