Exercising To Manage Sciatica Pain
The medical term for sciatica is radiculopathy, which means that a spinal disc has been extended beyond its normal position and is irritating the radicular nerve in the lower back, which connects with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve branches off as it travels down the lower back and through the back of the leg and into the foot.
Physical exercise is usually the best treatment for healing sciatic pain. Most patients will immediately rely on bed rest for treatment, but after a day or two of rest, any more inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Exercise is critical to the recovery and prevention of recurring sciatic pain. Without exercise and movement, the back muscles will become deconditioned and unable to support the back, which can lead to serious injury and strain.
The sciatica exercises focus on the strengthening of the abdominal, and back muscles, which in turn provide more support for the back. Stretching is also key to loosen up the sciatica muscles, which are tight and inflexible. Regular, lifelong strength training and stretching and maintaining correct posture will help patients recover more quickly from a flare up of sciatica and also help prevent future episodes of back pain.
A chiropractor, physical therapist, or other spine specialist who is knowledgeable in the treatment of back and leg pain can recommend many exercises that you can implement into your daily activities. It is extremely important that you first get an accurate diagnosis as to the cause of your sciatic pain. The specific exercise treatment will depend on your condition. Most of the exercise pain sciatica that will be recommended to you will need to be performed twice daily. Close attention to body mechanics and upper body posture will be crucial to the overall success.
There are many types of exercises that can help to strengthen and stretch the back muscles. Riding a stationary bike, and walking are two of the best cardiovascular exercises one can do. Strength building and muscle building exercises are extremely important to prevent future pain. Back and abdominal exercises will help build strong support for the spine. Stretching the muscles is also another important step to exercise pain sciatica. Extension stretches are the most common type of stretch that physical therapists will use. They are performed simply by lying on the floor, either on your back or stomach, and reaching with either an arm or leg in different directions, in order to stretch the lower back muscles. There are many books and classes through a doctor’s office or a public gym that are dedicated to showing you how to properly perform lower back stretches. |